MELBOURNE coach Steven King has praised his side’s fight in their nine-point win over Gold Coast at People First Stadium.

The Dees led by just one point at the final break before pushing away from the home side to seal an important win, the victory now locking Melbourne into a spot in the top 10.

“We came up here knowing how hard this game was going to be,” King said.

“I’m so proud of our whole group for fighting it out. The maturity of that, off the back of a disappointing result last week.

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RD 21 | Post-match Press Conference | Steven King

Watch Melbourne’s press conference after round 21’s match against Gold Coast

“I think both teams butchered the ball at times, but to stay the course and keep fighting, scrapping, finding a way…I’m really proud.”

The Dees will now look ahead to their biggest challenge, facing an in-form Fremantle at the MCG.