CO-CAPTAIN Jack Grimes says his side's lack of spread was a major reason for its 61-point loss to Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
Grimes said it was a frustrating performance by Melbourne, as it won the contested possession count (137 to 126), but was unable to find space and win the uncontested ball.
“We felt like we were really having a crack and our intensity around the ball was really good,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“We were winning contested ball and clearances and tap outs in the ruck, but credit to Brisbane, our ability to spread just wasn’t up to them.
“They really got out and won a lot of uncontested possessions and a lot more than us. That’s an area we need to improve on.
“Our ball movement wasn’t as good and we didn’t get any easy ball inside 50 - it was rushed and that was credit to Brisbane.”
From their two home-and-away outings this year, the Lions have defeated the Demons by a combined total of 104 points.
Grimes said the Lions were an underrated side capable of playing some quality football.
“They showed they’re a good side and they showed that in round one as well,” he said.
“The Lions put us under a lot of pressure and they showed they can be a really dangerous team and they’re hitting a bit of form.
“We’ve still got a fair bit to work on, but full credit to the Lions.”
Looking ahead to next round, Grimes said it would be a big test against Richmond on the back of a six-day turnaround.
“Richmond taught us a lesson last time, so it’s going to be a big week,” he said.
“We’re really going to have to improve on our uncontested possession, because Richmond is so good at it and move the ball so well.
“First things first - we want to win the ball inside and then really show we can spread and get the opposition defending us.”
Grimes said it was a frustrating performance by Melbourne, as it won the contested possession count (137 to 126), but was unable to find space and win the uncontested ball.
“We felt like we were really having a crack and our intensity around the ball was really good,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“We were winning contested ball and clearances and tap outs in the ruck, but credit to Brisbane, our ability to spread just wasn’t up to them.
“They really got out and won a lot of uncontested possessions and a lot more than us. That’s an area we need to improve on.
“Our ball movement wasn’t as good and we didn’t get any easy ball inside 50 - it was rushed and that was credit to Brisbane.”
From their two home-and-away outings this year, the Lions have defeated the Demons by a combined total of 104 points.
Grimes said the Lions were an underrated side capable of playing some quality football.
“They showed they’re a good side and they showed that in round one as well,” he said.
“The Lions put us under a lot of pressure and they showed they can be a really dangerous team and they’re hitting a bit of form.
“We’ve still got a fair bit to work on, but full credit to the Lions.”
Looking ahead to next round, Grimes said it would be a big test against Richmond on the back of a six-day turnaround.
“Richmond taught us a lesson last time, so it’s going to be a big week,” he said.
“We’re really going to have to improve on our uncontested possession, because Richmond is so good at it and move the ball so well.
“First things first - we want to win the ball inside and then really show we can spread and get the opposition defending us.”
