“Demon football”: The main changes Steven King unveiled in debut Melbourne win

Those who were privy to Melbourne's performance on Sunday saw a totally different outfit that walked onto the AFL stage.

Despite a host of fresh faces, it was the major changes in the coach's box, led by new man Steven King, that left Demons fans buoyed with hope as the club enters a new era.

A previously dour side, Melbourne's exciting, thrilling and risk-taking brand joined the modern-day great teams in taking the game on, and a win in his first outing left King "proud".

"I feel like I've been talking a lot around what Demon football is going to look like," King said after the 13-point victory.

"But until you put it on show and actually do it, they're pretty cheap, those words. Today was a really challenging game, as all early round games are, and it was quite chaotic. I don't think we sit here today and go it was by any means perfect.

"We were challenged a lot. But, yeah, really proud of the players' resilience and composure under pressure just to win big moments, and to get the win is really special."

The fast and attacking ball movement saw 57 inside 50s, and key target Jacob van Rooyen was the beneficiary, kicking six goals.

"I didn't know he kicked six. I just saw his work ethic, his workrate, his energy," King added.

"That's what his whole summer's been. He put in a lot of work ... before I was even appointed. He came back looking like a different athlete."

Recruit Brody Mihocek pitched in with three of his own, while also assisting the rest of the forward make up in organising structure of the front half.

Another proven move was Koltyn Tholstrup tasked with curbing St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, which was flagged weeks ago.

Burned into the memory of Melbourne fans was Wanganeen-Milera's heroics from late last year, kicking four goals and collecting 34 touches. However, Tholstrup's efforts limited the Saint to 18 possessions and three majors.

"That was devised probably three or four weeks ago, especially after watching Nas up in Ballarat and what he did to us last year. He's an amazing talent and a great player," King said.

"Koltyn is an ultimate ruthless competitor. I knew throwing him a task could be something he'd really like and enjoy. He's got an amazing profile athletically, so I was really keen to find a role for him today. Is it something we do every week? I'm not sure."