COACH Simon Goodwin says it’s disrespectful to suggest that Melbourne has played – and defeated – ‘easier’ opponents in recent weeks.

The red and blue has won its past four matches against Essendon, St Kilda, Gold Coast Suns and Carlton respectively – teams that make up four of the last five spots on the ladder.

But Goodwin said it wrong to think that any AFL club was an easier opponent in today’s competition.

“I think it’s really important that we respect the game and respect our opposition,” he told reporters at a media conference at AAMI Park on Thursday.

“We’re playing a really strong footy club this week.

“All we can do is look at what’s right in front of us, right now.

“We’re looking forward to that – there is no question about that.

“To get up to Alice Springs and play a really strong footy club – I think it’s going to be a great game of footy.”

Meanwhile, Goodwin said the club was delighted to secure young category B rookie, Austin Bradtke, a future ruckman for the club.

“It’s great to get the signing of Austin. He’s 203cm and he strolled through the door the other day – and gee, he’s a big boy,” he said.

“He comes from a really competitive family and we’re rapt to get him to our footy club.

“The ruck stocks – with Max [Gawn] travelling really strong – to get another young player into our club that can develop into that role is something that’s really important to us.

“We’re just really happy to get him involved in our footy club.

“Speaking to Austin, he said he’s got a bit of a quirky personality like Max,” he said. To get two ‘Maxs’ running around will be nice.”