Simon Goodwin’s terrifying warning as Demons keep perfect start intact

Melbourne hasn’t lost a game since last July, but coach Simon Goodwin has warned the Demons arent the finished product.

Simon Goodwin says there is more to come from the Demons. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Melbourne has started its premiership defence with a perfect 4-0 record, but coach Simon Goodwin has warned the Demons’ best is yet to come.

The reigning premiers kept top-four aspirant Port Adelaide goalless until just before three-quarter time on their home deck at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night on their way to a clinical 10.8 (68) to 4.12 (36) win.

Melbourne charged through last year‘s finals series in a breathtaking run that culminated in the club’s first flag in 57 years, but Goodwin feels his side is a way off those heights despite a strong start to the season.

Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The Demons monstered the Power, who are still winless after four rounds. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“One thing that we‘ve been really conscious of is not trying to be perfect,” Goodwin said. “At the end of last season we played a pretty dominant finals series, which all came together at once, but one thing that we maintained throughout the whole season was our ability to win the contest and win defensively.

“That‘s been our identity for the last 18 months and that’s what we are at the moment.

“I‘m really happy and proud of our group … they keep investing in the right areas of the game and they keep getting the results.

“The rest of it will start to come together as the year goes on.

“We‘re by no means a finished product at this stage.

“We‘re still building, brick by brick, this season and we’ll see where it ends up.”

The Power switched to a possession-heavy game style in an attempt to break down Melbourne‘s zone, the strategy working in a dour first quarter before the Demons blew the game open with four goals late in the second term.

Max Gawn had a day to remember. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Demons captain Max Gawn was instrumental throughout, finishing with 25 possessions, 12 marks, 33 hit-outs and a goal in a best afield display.

“That‘s been building for a few weeks … I was rapt for the skipper,” Goodwin said.

“I thought he led incredibly well.

“He‘s been really close the last couple of weeks and I thought (against Port) he was a really dominant player on the ground.

“I thought he had a huge impact on the result.

“He led from the front and that’s what you need when you’re on the road against a strong footy club.

“I thought Max was sensational.”