He's not the messiah.
That's what he says, anyway.
It's rare to see Paul Roos look embarrassed, but for a brief moment on Tuesday the first-year Melbourne AFL coach found himself having to deflect the praise that has been showered upon him after his side's one-point triumph over Essendon last weekend.
The Demons have won four of their 12 games under the former Sydney mentor and fans are in no doubt who's responsible for the league's basket case suddenly playing entertaining football.
"I choose to ignore that," Roos said when asked by a reporter what he thought of being labelled the messiah.
"It's a real collective effort."
Roos says his coaching staff, as well as midfield recruits Bernie Vince, Dom Tyson and Daniel Cross, have been strong contributors.
Criticised for their three-goal performance in their 33-point loss to Collingwood in round 12, the Demons gave their supporters a boost with a come-from-behind victory on Sunday.
Melbourne have beaten Carlton, Adelaide, Richmond and Essendon after winning only two matches in 2013.
However, all four wins have come against sides currently outside the top eight and Sunday's home game at the MCG against seventh-placed North Melbourne presents the perfect opportunity to take another step forward.
"It's significant. It's great for the club and it's great for the players to come back from 33 points down," Roos said of Sunday's result.
"Where we've got to get to is just continual improvement.
"Some of the footy we played was the best footy we've played all year."
Roos said ball use had been the key issue in the loss to Collingwood and added he wasn't concerned about the media's focus on his side's defensive playing style following that defeat.
"We worked a little bit more last week on our offence," Roos said.
Melbourne have lost their past 11 matches against North Melbourne including last year's 122-point hiding.
While North are coming off a flat performance in last week's loss to Adelaide, Roos says the Kangaroos pose a massive threat when at their best.
Melbourne have lost their past 11 matches against North Melbourne including last year's 122-point hiding.
"They know they've come a fair way," Roos said of his young side.
"Equally they know the Kangaroos are a really dangerous team."
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