Frawley, who strongly dismissed reports he is demanding $800,000 a year in his next contract, appears certain to continue in attack after producing a performance that some experts rewarded with best-afield honours.

 

After playing a similar role last week in the loss to Greater Western Sydney, Frawley thrived on more consistent delivery to gather 24 disposals (including 18 kicks), 14 marks (one contested) six inside 50s, two goals and four score assists.

 

Mainly opposed by experienced Blue Michael Jamison and occasionally big man Sam Rowe, the 25-year-old was a strong target on the lead and in contested marking situations, and often provided an outlet for teammates coming out of defence with his speed and sure marking.

 

Frawley's multiple efforts – part of his make-up as a defender – were also critical.

 

The only blot on his copybook was a spilt chest mark within easy goalscoring range in the second quarter.

 

With defender Colin Garland set to return soon, the Demons will have the luxury of deploying Frawley to the area he is most needed.

 

"It was a bit of change up for me. I've played 120-odd games down back and after a few rounds 'Roosy' just decided to throw things around a bit," he told AFL.com.au.

 

"Playing up forward has been a bit of fun and I'm really enjoying it, especially in a winning side. It came off today, so hopefully I might be able to sneak forward a few more times and kick some more snags.

 

"I'll have to speak to Roosy about it and see what he wants to do. If the opposition has a good forward down there I might have to roll back to play on him, but I'm happy to try to fulfill whatever role the coach wants me to play."

 

Frawley said the result, and his contribution to it, won't change anything in terms of his approach to contract negotiations.

 

"Last week the media pumped it up that I'd put $800,000 on my head. I don't know where they pulled that from. It's just not true," he said.

 

"Look, all I want to do it go out there to get a kick, try to win some games for the Melbourne footy club, and hopefully help make this club better. That's all I'm focusing on. We haven't had a win for a while, so it's a nice feeling."

 

Roos described Frawley's game as outstanding and believes he will only improve in coming weeks.

 

"As a forward with speed it's a bit of an advantage. I think he'll even earn some more contested marks. There was a couple of one-on-ones that in two or three weeks' time he'll grab them, or next week, because he's still learning the craft," Roos said.

 

"We tampered with putting him back today with 'Dawesy' (Chris Dawes) coming in but we wanted to hold our nerve and we'll continue to do that if we can."

 

Roos also lavished praise on Dawes, who kicked two goals, both from outside 50, in his first game of the season.

 

"I can't speak highly enough of Dawesy to want to come in when he was underdone. He was knocking my door down all week, desperate to play, and before training (on) Thursday I'd say he was playing at Casey (in the VFL)," he said.

 

"We knew he wasn't going to play super well but he was important – a couple of goals and some really strong contests and (he) did straighten us up."