Captain Matthew Pavlich, who booted six goals, said the win over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday was important, but he disagreed with perceptions that the club struggles away, pointing to wins over St Kilda, Gold Coast and now Richmond in 2012 as evidence of that.

“We feel we’re an anytime, anyplace team, regardless of the conditions,” Pavlich said.

“There’s a few people out there that might have seen the conditions, and at the MCG, and thought “no chance”, but we had an inner belief about the way we play.

"We thought we took some steps forward and it’s pleasing to go into the break where we are after that performance.”

Senior coach Ross Lyon was also pleased to hit the bye week with momentum and a positive frame of mind.

“I’m proud of the player group and this is reward for our fans and members who support this club,” he said,” he said.

“We took a step forward today, but at 6-5, we’ve got plenty of work to do to keep improving.

“So we bank four points, have a mental rest, but a physical continuation of preparation for Essendon after the break.”