SIMON GOODWIN believes Melbourne’s adaptability on Wednesday night proved to be crucial in its 26-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

In the blockbuster grand final rematch, momentum shifts were again the talking point as the game played out in similar fashion to when the two side’s last met in September.

Despite these changes in momentum, the Demons held on to a steady lead in the second half of the game, walking away with the first win of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. 

Following the 14.13 (97) to 11.5 (71) victory, Goodwin told media post-match that his side's ability to adjust to the challenges set by the Dogs was important for the win. 

“Every time we play the Western Bulldogs, we know what we’re up against,” Goodwin said. 

“There’s generally big momentum swings in the game and I think you saw again today, that happened.

“But once again, our ability to adapt, reset ourselves, get back to the core way we play is really important and the players have worked incredibly hard at that, and I thought it was on show again tonight.

“It’s a great way to start in front of our supporters, on a pretty big occasion for our footy club, I thought it was terrific.”

While it was an impressive night on the field for Melbourne, it wasn't without its hurdles. 

Just minutes into the game, the backline was hit with an injury concern, with Christian Salem substituted out for Toby Bedford. 

This left Melbourne’s defensive stocks further depleted, with three premiership defenders already sidelined.

“I spoke to the players pre-season around opportunity and that we would be challenged in range of different areas throughout the year,” Goodwin said.

“Leading into Round 1 we were challenged in one area of the ground especially in our backs and to lose Salem early in the night and for Tommy Mac to go back, I was really proud of our defence and our backs.

“I thought they held up incredibly well especially in that third quarter.

“They had 15 entries for two points, and they did a terrific job.

Joel Smith came in after missing last year, Adam Tomlinson came back from an ACL [injury], Jayden Hunt missed out last year and then you throw [in] Tommy McDonald and Angus Brayshaw.

“It’s a bit of a different looking back six and they got the job done.”

Hear more from Goodwin's press conference below. 

06:51

RD 1 | Simon Goodwin post-match

Watch Melbourne's press conference after round one's match against Western Bulldogs