ANGUS Brayshaw says a “huge opportunity” has been presented – both personally and to the club – with just two home and away rounds remaining.  

Brayshaw, who made an outstanding comeback in Melbourne’s 24-point win over St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday, said it was imperative the team backed up its performance against the Brisbane Lions at the ‘G next Sunday.

“I’ve missed a lot of footy, but the club as well – we’re in a really good position. We won today, which was a big game for us. For the next couple of weeks, our focus is going to be on really consistent four quarter performances,” he said.

“Today, we were tested, but we were able respond really well and our brand stands up under intense pressure, which is what’s going to happen over the next couple of weeks – I’m certain.

“For us, it’s just being able to play without any lapses, because on the big stage those lapses can really cost you. We all want to be playing on the biggest stage of all, so that’s going to be huge for us over the next couple of weeks – trying to get into real consistent form.”

Playing his first AFL match since round two, due to concussion sidelining him for much of the season, Brayshaw said it was an incredible feeling to be back in the side.

“That 10-minute period after the [final] siren goes [and you win] – it’s just the best feeling,” he said.

“It’s been so long and I’ve been dreaming this for the past 20 weeks, playing well in a winning side and in front of a big crowd.

“It was a huge day for the club and I’m just really happy I was able to contribute.”

Winning 26 disposals – his equal best in 34 AFL games – Brayshaw said it had been a “rollercoaster and a lot of ups and downs” since being sidelined for every game except one VFL appearance from rounds six to 17.

“It’s great to watch them (the team), but at the same time I just really want to be out there,” he said.

“All of the hard work I’ve put in over the last however long with the coaches and the medical staff and all of the processes – you finally come to this moment and it’s only forward from here, so I’m not concerned with what’s come before.

“We’re looking forward to the next couple of weeks and how we can perform – and I’m rapt to be back here and able to play footy on the big stage – that’s what I dream of.”

Brayshaw, who copped a heavy hit early in the match from Saint Koby Stevens, said he was glad to get it out of the way early on.

“In situations like that, it’s been weeks in the making where I’ve built-up going harder and harder at the ball in critical contests,” he said.

“That was one of those instances where it was my turn to go and maybe a month ago, when I first started [my comeback], I wouldn’t have gone as hard, but I’m really confident at the moment with my preparation and where I’m at with my head.

“It was probably a reflection of everything I’ve done in that contest, where I was able to crack in and I got knocked down pretty hard, but was able to just to bounce back up and I feel fine, so that was probably one of the best things that could’ve happened early on – just get a solid knock and take confidence from that.

“My Mum would’ve been hating it, but I was fine.”

Brayshaw added that his confidence levels were right up against the Saints, as he’d been building them playing for Casey Demons.

“I’ve played three weeks in the VFL, so a lot of confidence has come from gradually increasing my contest stuff – they eased me in early,” he said.

“I feel like confidence isn’t an issue. If anything, I got my first touch away pretty early, so that’s a tick and then the big hit – I got up from that, so that was another tick.

“Just keeping it simple early and just keeping it basic – the first ‘gives’ and not trying to complicate things too much. I got through the first quarter all right and built on it from there.

“Now we’ve just got to go out and do what we did today in the next couple of weeks, play a hard brand of footy and then we’ll just go from strength to strength. It’s all upwards from here – it’s all positive.”