MELBOURNE'S six-point defeat to West Coast on Saturday "should" have been a win according to coach Paul Roos, who has challenged his young charges to take something from the "harsh learning curve".
In a contest few gave them hope of winning, the spirited Demons dominated the major statistical categories but failed to finish the job at Domain Stadium, going down 10.6 (66) to 8.12 (60).
Despite having a staggering 29 more inside 50s than their hosts and claiming the contested possessions 160-143 and tackles 98-83, the Dees left Perth without four premiership points.
"We're a young team, and to come over here on a six-day break and play against a team like that and win in every category, we should have won the game, but from our point of view it's a harsh lesson for the guys," Roos said.
"Hopefully we learn from it."
Melbourne has a dreadful record at the Subiaco venue, having not beaten the Eagles there since 2002 and losing their past 17 clashes against the WA clubs.
In soggy conditions, the visitors were on top early but took only a one-point lead into quarter-time.
Melbourne also let chances go begging when the sun broke through in a dominant third-term performance, booting 3.6.
Experienced duo Jack Watts and Chris Dawes were two of the main culprits. Watts hit the post with his snap in the third, while Dawes sent a shot sailing out of bounds on the full.
Roos said capitalising on key moments like that was the next step in Melbourne's development.
"If we look at Hawthorn this year they've won I think five games by less than a goal, and that only comes with experience - knowing exactly what to do, where players run, playing together often enough," he said.
"I think you'll agree, we kicked it back to them too many times. We were streaming through the middle of the ground and look like we were going to go forward and someone messed it up.
"It's just about composure and experience. As we get more experience as a team and play more games together, the players get more confident in each other, those inside 50s turn into scoring shots."
Dees skipper Nathan Jones was the most prolific ball-winner on the ground with 34 disposals, but it was the inside work of midfielders Dom Tyson (29 touches, 12 contested) and Jack Viney (26 touches, 13 contested) that was most telling.
Matt Jones and Dean Kent were serviceable and combined for 46 possessions, while Billy Stretch (22 touches) produced one of his best games for the club. Jeff Garlett booted three goals.
Roos said sometimes the scoreboard did not tell the whole story.
"It's a huge step forward for us and hopefully the young guys and the players learn from it," he said.
