Stephen King

Not a reality check.

I think we've had a pretty emotional month.

We've had some milestone games.

We've had some come-from-behind wins.

I...

And our history against Essendon over in Adelaide wasn't great.

So we didn't walk over there thinking, I think everything we said was about process and that work without the footy.

But yeah, it was a different week.

We've got some young players who are still finding their gap between their best and their worst.

and as I said after the game full credit to Essendon I thought they were outstanding they got after the game and they brought an energy and intensity that we were trying to chase ourselves just on the Essendon I mean a lot of Melbourne fans look at that and go what's the deal gather around playing Essendon obviously you weren't a part of the other team but is there what's the psychology behind that yeah I'm not sure I'm not a psychologist I'm just a coach that's five games in and

I try and motivate the group.

I was aware of the history, so I didn't tap into too much around, right, boys, we have to now back up Gold Coast win and beat Essendon, because it was more about playing in that gather round at the Adelaide Oval against another opposition.

I think if you look too far back with a different group, with a different coach, it's a dangerous game to play.

It's about moving forward and creating your own path with a new group.

And that's what we try to do.

But obviously you can get reward.

Just on Brisbane, obviously a lot of midfield, you know, depth, guns.

You know, they're a good team.

We did a bit of oppo just before and without...

I don't think you can go through every single player of theirs and I think our players understand how good Brisbane are and how good they've been for a long period of time now.