Goodwin allowing Melbourne to play with freedom: Melksham

Melbourne forward Jake Melksham has praised head coach Simon Goodwin’s ‘approachable’ nature.

The Demons have taken the next step in 2018, sitting inside the top four with eight wins, showing on occasion that they could be a genuine premiership threat with some further improvement.

Speaking on SEN's Time On, Melksham indicated that the club's strong form in the first half of the season goes hand-in-hand with the fact Goodwin is a very obliging and communicative figure for the Demons players.

“Simon as a coach he’s really approachable. He doesn’t come across as the head honcho or as an intimidating coach," said Melksham.

“I remember when I was younger I was intimidated going up to the coaches office and having a chat because it was an area you didn’t really want to visit too often.

“What Simon’s done is build relationships. Getting to know his players, how they tick, what works best for them.

“It gives him and us as players confidence to perform and do what’s required when he needs us to.

“He doesn’t try and turn you into a robot or make things too structured, he lets you go out there and play the game and that’s what we love doing.

“Simon teaches us the basics, but he lets us play with freedom.”

Individually, Melksham is quietly having one of his best seasons under Goodwin, transforming into a forward 50 threat with 14 goals in 12 games, 17 goal assists while averaging 15 touches a game.

“It’s one or two I think," said Melksham on whether he’s having his best season in the AFL.

“I had one really good year at Essendon a few years back, but I’m playing forward now and I’m really enjoying it.”

Listen to Melksham's full interview on Time On in the player below