CO-CAPTAIN Nathan Jones says nine goals combined, from Jesse Hogan (five) and Jeff Garlett (four), were “unbelievable” in Melbourne’s 26-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Hogan and Garlett were critical in Melbourne gaining a 42-point lead early in the third term, and were there when the game needed to be won late in the match. For the record, Hogan and Garlett booted two goals each after the 17-minute mark of the final term. And Jones couldn't speak highly enough of the duo.

“They (Hogan and Garlett) were unbelievable. The goals are one thing, but just the way he (Hogan) played – his efforts around the ball, his chase down tackles and the way he competed in the air and on the ground – I think that set his game up really,” he told Melbourne Media.

“That’s the kind of player he is – he’s that good, when he really tips into that side of his game. His full kit was on display and it was quite impressive. He was probably the difference in the end, really. I’m really happy for him.

“It’s been widely reported how difficult a year he had last year, but the pre-season he’s put in, and the work and the commitment to improve the team, is second to none. That’s why we’re getting performances like we have in the last couple of weeks and in particularly against the Lions.”

Jones said another forward, second-gamer Bayley Fritsch, also showed genuine courage to come back onto the ground, after copping one in the ribs during the third term. Fritsch finished with two goals, including one after the final siren, after he initially looked like he wouldn’t return. 

“He’s going really well. It was funny after the game, he said to me ‘I thought I was going to die and I didn’t know what was wrong with me’,” Jones said with a laugh. 

“I think he copped one and I said ‘yeah mate, that’s what happens when you get winded pretty bad’.

“It was a tough one for him, and he was battling there for a bit – and I wasn’t sure what was going on. I thought he might’ve copped one in the ‘Jatz crackers’ to be honest. But he got the wind knocked out of him, and bounced back.

“As you’d expect, he competes really well for us in the air and finished off brilliantly with a goal.”

Jones said the Lions were much-improved, adding that they would be particularly tough to beat on home soil.  

“It was really difficult conditions, but the fact that we got the win was good, as we came up here with some clear plans and some stuff to work on from last week,” he said.

“The third quarter was difficult ... they got some real momentum as well, but credit to them, I think they’re a really up-and-coming side.

“They’ve got a terrific midfield group and a pretty aggressive ruckman (Stef Martin), who can hold his own against Maxy [Gawn].”

Jones said he was proud of his team to hold its nerve, before upping the ante late in the game to win by more than four goals.

“The second half, in particular, was really difficult conditions, handling the ball,” he said. 

“But the grit to find a way, and the will to win late, was something I was really proud of.

“I think it just demonstrates the character that’s among the group.”

The three-time best and fairest winner said the team’s experienced players also stood up when needed.

“There was some stuff our leaders and senior players did late [that helped us win]. I thought Maxy was terrific and competed in the middle. I thought some of the stuff Jordan Lewis did as well [was important] and Bernie Vince did a terrific job on Dayne Zorko as well,” he said.

“It was a good win – and it’s important to win on the road.

“We’ll go away and still consider some areas to improve, particularly in the third quarter, but I’m pretty proud of them.”