CO-CAPTAIN Nathan Jones says Monday’s Queen’s Birthday loss to Collingwood by 33 points was “difficult to take”.

Speaking to Dee TV post-match, Jones said there was mixed emotions to come from the clash in front of almost 70,000 at the MCG.

“Collingwood is a terrific side and we got it on our terms early, but in the end, there were missed opportunities and some pretty big turnovers cost us. When that happens against a team like that – it’s going to hurt you. That’s what happened in the second half,” he said.

“We kept them to three goals up until half-time, which was a good effort and another step forward for us, but to go to that next level again, we’ve got to continue that for 120 minutes and find ways to swing the momentum and the game in our favour – and get it on our terms.

“It’s disappointing – if you look at it from a holistic point of view, from last year, we’ve taken a step forward. [It was] a tighter margin and a bigger crowd [compared to last year’s Queen’s Birthday clash], but as far as the players are concerned, there’s bitter disappointment.

“At three quarter-time, it was probably sitting there for us to grab hold of it, but we weren’t able to execute and then get over the line.

“The way we played up until half-time was how we’d prepared, but there were roles within the team that needed to be executed better – there’s no doubt about that.”

Jones said the focus would quickly turn to Melbourne’s clash against Essendon at the MCG next Sunday.

“It’s a big game against Essendon – another great challenge – and they’re in terrific form,” he said.

“We’ve just got to continue to look for areas to improve. I think we’re taking steps forward, although it is a little bit slow at the moment – in particular from the players’ point of view. I’d love to be taking big steps forward and winning games like tonight.

“Realistically, we’ve got to continue to train hard and narrow down on those key areas that in the end, when they stack up, they end up costing you.”