DEFENDER Steven May says a strong defence went a long way in helping Melbourne defeat Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium on Friday night.

May, who was among several big inclusions in the 32-point Marsh Community Series win, gave prominence to the Demons’ structures down back.

Having been a big focus at training over the summer, the 28-year-old said it was pleasing to get some reward for their efforts to date.

“Our stability behind the ball is looking a lot better, with Jake’s (Lever) positioning and Oscar’s (McDonald) as well,” May told Melbourne Media post-match.

“Then our higher backs with Hibbo (Michael Hibberd), Neville (Jetta) and Jay Lockhart; we feel pretty safe behind the ball.

“That’s what we’ve been training, so it’s good to do it in a real game.”

Applying plenty of pressure in their defensive 50, the Demons held the Hawks to just six goals and forced 13 behinds in the Launceston contest.

But it was their intensity forward of centre that was equally as impressive.

“A lot of our small forwards like (Alex) Neal-Bullen, Charlie Spargo and Vanders (Aaron vandenBerg), even though he’s a big forward; those guys were able to lock the ball in our front half a bit and made our jobs easy,” May said.

“I think we could’ve kicked a bit straighter, but in the end, we evened up the ledger.

“I think our contest down in the forward line, our midfielders were super, our wingers Tommo (Adam Tomlinson) and Langers (Ed Langdon) getting back to help the defence – I think it was just a really good team effort.

“Everyone played their role.”

The hit-out was the first taste of pre-season for May, having missed Melbourne’s practice matches with an injury setback.

The defender finished with 21 disposals, taking eight marks and providing a strong body down back.  

“I’m obviously stoked to be back out kicking the footy around and just playing with the boys,” May said.

“After a pretty good, strong pre-season, the last month’s been pretty frustrating. So, I’m just happy to be back.”

And having prioritised his training and nutrition, he’s noticed a big difference this pre-season compared to last.

“Especially after having a month off, I probably wouldn’t have been able to play a full game [this time last year],” May said.

“But my work up until Christmas and then in rehab, we’ve been doing a far bit of running – that sort of set me up and the coaches and fitness staff trusted me to play.

“I got to play a bit more game time than I was supposed to, so that just shows that my body is in a good spot.”

Melbourne round out its Marsh Community Series campaign with a two-from-two record, having defeated Adelaide last month at Casey Fields.

The Dees will now turn their attention to their season-opener against the Eagles in two weeks’ time.

“It’s good to get a win, but our main focus today was just trying to get our game plan set and everyone playing their role, so everyone has clarity going into West Coast,” May said.

“To keep [Hawthorn] to a pretty low score in the end; that’s what’s going to help us win games of footy in the season.

“West Coast are a pretty potent team and over there, they’re very good, so it’s good to get this little dress rehearsal out of the way.”

Melbourne will travel west in Round 1, taking on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday 22 March.