Melbourne gave their fans – and doubters – plenty of ammunition in their AFL pre-season win over St Kilda.

The Demons opened the Saints up on Thursday night at Casey Fields, kicking eight goals in the first term and leading by 39 points early in the second.

But by late in the third quarter, somehow they were behind.

While Melbourne rallied and won by 26 points, that lapse has given coach Simon Goodwin plenty to think about ahead of their round-one match on March 25 against Geelong.

“There are things we clearly have to work on – six goals to one in the third quarter (wasn’t) ideal,” he said.

Overall, the Demons are well-placed heading into the season.

They won their two practice matches and have a healthy list.

But during that third quarter on Thursday night, they still looked like the team that has not made the finals since 2006.

Goodwin noted his players were mature enough to rally and finish off their good work from the first half.

They also had 13 goalkickers, following 12 in the other pre-season win over North Melbourne.

“It’s been something we’ve been working on for a few years,” Goodwin said.

“It’s a really pleasing sign, that we have so many goalkickers and so many guys who are able to have impact.

“That’s the way we want to play our footy … sharing the load.”

High-profile recruit Jake Lever also continues to fit seamlessly into their backline after his controversial trade from Adelaide.

“His first half was outstanding and he really set us up from the back half,” Goodwin said.

“He’s a really difficult player to get through, defensively.

“He’s a great communicator down there and he impacts the ball when it comes into his area.

“As a club, we’ve loved him for a long time and we’re rapt to have him.”

Oscar McDonald tweaked his back in the first half and was rested for the rest of the game.

Tom McDonald (toe), Alex Neal-Bullen (soreness) and James Harmes (head knock) did not play, but Goodwin expects them to be available for round one.