FRUSTRATING and disappointing.

That was how skipper Nathan Jones described Melbourne’s three-goal loss to Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.

And there was no doubt about it.

After the match, there was a genuine feeling of frustration that a great opportunity had slipped against the premiers of the past three years. 

But in the cold, hard light of day, falling short to Hawthorn – a side Melbourne hasn’t beaten since round eight, 2006 or even got within 18 points of since then – was a strong effort.

Even Jones realised that.

“I think we took some steps forward. There were some really good signs, but when you’re playing a terrific team like them – a team that’s been champions for the last few years – you’ve got to be on your game 100 per cent,” he told Melbourne TV.

“There were probably a couple of areas where we let ourselves down, but overall it was pretty positive and we’re looking forward to next week again.

“There have been some ups and downs, but overall I’m bitterly disappointed we didn’t get the result, but I think when I sit back and watch it this week, there will be some good signs from it.

“Our work around the contest was really good, but they’re a class outfit and there is a reason why they’ve won the last three flags. Credit to them, they always find a way.” 

Melbourne showed it was not going to lie down to Hawthorn.

When Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli kicked his side’s fifth in a row – just 22 seconds into the second term – the brown and gold was up by 23 points.

In the past, it could’ve got ugly from that point.

But Melbourne of 2016 managed to hit back with four in succession and reclaim the lead.

By three quarter-time, the scores were level and it was anyone’s game in the final stanza.

Maturity and experience got Hawthorn over the line, but it was still a fine effort from a Melbourne team that has regularly been smashed by the brown and gold in the past 10 years.

Overall, there were plenty of positives to take from Melbourne’s loss.

Bernie Vince (36 disposals), Dom Tyson (32) and Jones (31) had more touches than any other Hawk; Melbourne won the clearances 51 to 39 and its inclusions made the type of contributions that match committee wanted.

Melbourne entered the match, having made five changes, which on face value could’ve been a concern. But now it shows the depth the red and blue has built.

Jack Trengove, one of the great footy stories of the season, and Chris Dawes came in for their first match of the season, after overcoming injuries. Trengove of course hadn’t played in the AFL for more than two years after a debilitating foot injury ruined his 2014-15 seasons. Dawes had been troubled by a calf for several months, but bounced back after strong form for Casey.

Youngsters’ Aaron vandenBerg, Clayton Oliver and Sam Frost all returned and contributed.

It was another sign of Melbourne’s ability to cope and utilise its changes within its 22, as Jones explained.

“We made five changes, which was on the back of one of our worst performances for the year last week. We refreshed the team and brought in some bigger bodies,” he said.

“Trenners is just an unbelievable story and it’s super inspiring. In sport, you tend to look into other sports and other individual athletes, but we’ve got a real life example here that’s had his battles over a two-year period. He got himself back to play at the top level and it’s pretty inspiring.”

“Dawesy’s had some trouble with injury and it’s good to see him back out there. He’s a real key structure to our forward line and I thought Aaron vandenBerg really played his role as well. Big Sammy Frost spent some time down back and he’s worked really hard on his craft in the VFL and I thought he was a real positive as well.”

Jones said the strong top-of-the-table form Casey had displayed this year had played a big part in Melbourne’s improvement this season and that was another genuine positive to emerge. 

“It helps when our Casey side is going really well and these boys can continue to hone their craft, and make sure they’re ready to play when they step up to play AFL level,” he said.

“There are some of the positives to come out of it, when those guys show some form, after going back and practicing it in the VFL, and then earning their place in the side. It was good to continue to fill those gaps, when players go out and we got that.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the job done this time.”

But that could change next time.

August 6, round 20, will be one eagerly-awaited contest, when Melbourne takes on Hawthorn for the second time this season.

Expect it to be another fascinating encounter.