KEY FORWARD Chris Dawes says the constant speculation around Mark Neeld's position at Melbourne was, in hindsight, almost crippling at times.
He admitted that regardless of what any individuals thought about the decision, once the call was made there was a sense of a weight being lifted off the team’s shoulders.
That, as much as anything, said Dawes explained the increased on-field energy that has been apparent in the past two weeks since Neil Craig replaced Neeld.
Dawes said he was really disappointed for Neeld as it was no secret that his presence was one of the main reasons he wanted to play for Melbourne.
"Like anyone else would in that situation you have got to handle it professionally and can't dwell on it," Dawes told AFL.com.au. "Lucky there is such a capable interim coach in Neil Craig."
Dawes showed his character when he played the next game against St Kilda despite injuring an ankle the round before against Collingwood.
"[It was an] important one for me to play," Dawes said.
He figured that with Mitch Clark absent too, he could help Jack Fitzpatrick and Jack Watts in playing that tall forward role.
"I was pleased with my ability to get up for the game but then I suppose [it was] disappointing I didn't perform that well against the Saints," Dawes said.
Dawes has only played seven games for the Demons after injury delayed his start until round seven, but he has proven his worth.
He has been aggressive at the ball and opposition and shown he is a leader of merit.
Dawes understands he has a responsibility to play well given the lack of experience around him, but his explanation of what is required of a leader shows he has a nuts and bolts philosophy that should stand the club in good stead.
"You have got to understand that while you want to solve all the problems of the world you've got to look after yourselves first," Dawes said.
"If you look at good sides, their leadership group is often comprised of the best players. The number one job of a leader is to actually perform themselves and then you recognise how vast an impact you can have on the playing group."
Dawes carries plenty of emotion on to the ground, however experience is teaching him what approach works best for him.
Injury management takes precedence during the week while mental preparation is the key on gameday. He says his mental preparation has been better this season than at any stage in his career.
"It's a combination of making sure I manage my arousal levels coming into a game so I am really primed to perform," Dawes said. "Part of that is being able to get yourself to the right level of arousal but still have a pretty clear mind and a limited number of things to focus on."
Having struck up a great relationship off-field with another key recruit in Clark, Dawes is excited at the prospect of playing alongside the teammate he describes as a genuine A-grader.
But not excited enough to want to rush Clark along in his rehabilitation from foot surgery.
Patience is the key according to Dawes with both Clark and 18-year-old prospect Jesse Hogan enviable additions in 2014.
Dawes says however that the list should improve every day.
"The key thing is that everybody who is on the list actually plays to their capabilities each week, and then there is a responsibility on individuals to actually develop their game and that will strengthen the list."
With his first win in Melbourne colours behind him and some clear air after a difficult start to the year, Dawes said the win over the Bulldogs was be a great tonic.
It was certainly welcome relief for a player who had been on the winning team just once in his previous 11 games, after his first 65 games yielded 53 wins and a premiership.
"To still hold on against a fast finishing side and win I think it is really important and will probably reveal itself to be important down the track," Dawes said.
"I reckon actually hanging on for the win will help guys realise we are on the right path. Had we got overrun there might have been more head scratching and [questions like] how are we ever going to win?"
