Melbourne coach Neil Craig in the rooms after the win. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
MELBOURNE caretaker coach Neil Craig's bid to assume the role on a more permanent basis next year gained momentum last night as the Demons scored a nail-bitting three-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
But the Demons' second win of the season - and only the club's sixth in its past 35 games - was not without its share of drama as they leaked a 44-point lead 13 minutes into the final term.
In only his second game in charge following the sacking of Mark Neeld 13 days ago, Craig helped to bring about a change in game style and some renewed energy in the first three quarters before the Bulldogs' late fight-back.
Craig said last night he hoped that Neeld "had a smile on his face'' last night because his work with the group was still paying dividends.
"We were really pleased for three quarters but we lost total control of the game (for much of the last term),'' Craig said.
"That's a lesson we need to work through.
"(But) to hold their nerve in the last 90 seconds was really good.''
The Demons sing the song after beating the Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
Melbourne forward Chris Dawes described last night's win as "awesome''
"The excitement of winning is great but it is also a relief because it has been a long time between drinks,'' Dawes said.
He said the Demons had played with "a bit more energy'' under Craig in the past fortnight.
"We've been a bit sharper and a bit cleaner with our skills than we had been earlier in the year,'' Dawes said.
Demons captain Jack Trengove said of the club's tackle count: "here was a huge emphasis on that - also offensively as well.
Jack Trengove after the win. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
"We've done a lot of chasing tail this year.
"So when we get it in our hands, we want to make sure they're defending us as well.''
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