SIMON Goodwin was all praise for Melbourne’s leaders after the Demons overcame a big deficit to hammer Gold Coast on Saturday in Alice Springs.

The Dees trailed by 30 points midway through the third quarter before completely dominating the final 50 minutes to run away 35-point victors.

Goodwin said despite the big discrepancy, he was always confident his team would fight back.

“We were really happy with the way we were playing in the first half, and that sounds a little strange, but we had 32 inside 50s,” he said.

“I think our connection with our ball use changed in the second half and we found a way to impact the scoreboard, where early that wasn’t the case.

“We were really happy the way the boys stuck at it.

“At no stage did we think we were out of the contest.”

The men that helped turn the tide should be no surprise.

“I thought our leaders were very good, especially in the second half,” Goodwin said.

“I thought Jordan Lewis’ second half and Nathan’s (Jones) second half were very good.

“They stood up in critical contests, they used the ball very well and their communication and leadership throughout the whole night was exceptional.”

Jones had 12 disposals and two goals – including the go-ahead goal late in the quarter – in a decisive third term.

He finished with 27 touches, three goals and two assists for the night, while Lewis also became more influential as the contest wore on.

The former Hawk spent time in the midfield and also played as a spare in defence, often orchestrating Melbourne forays forward.

Lewis finished with 29 disposals (at 79 per cent efficiency), while Jones’ fellow co-captain Jack Viney (23 touches, 14 contested and 11 tackles) was also strong.

Goodwin said the 5-5 win-loss record going into the bye was a fair reflection of Melbourne’s season to date.

“We’ve been a bit inconsistent in games and throughout periods in the first 10 rounds, so to the guys’ credit, we’ve still got a lot of improving to do, so the bye gives us a chance to refine our gamestyle and get the guys refreshed and recharged.”