MIDFIELDER Dom Tyson says Melbourne’s disappointing second quarter against Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Thursday was the reason for his side’s 18-point loss.

Tyson said the Demons were “relatively pleased” with their performance, but couldn’t afford to give Freo “a three or four goal” break, which resulted in Melbourne trailing by 26 points at half-time.

“We didn’t win, which was disappointing, and that second quarter just cost us a bit. We dropped away with things that we wanted to focus on and a good side like Freo capitalised,” Tyson said.

“We came back in that third quarter and we were pressing, but we didn’t quite capitalise, so there are some good things to take away from a first-up hit-out.

“We implemented a couple of things we’ve been working on in the pre-season, which was always good. We had new blokes coming in and playing, so there were some things to take away.”

Tyson said Melbourne’s first match of the season was still a tough test, despite enduring pre-season training. He also praised the new recruits in their first hit-out.

“It’s funny how you train pretty hard for three or four months and you’re still pretty buggered after that first match … it’s always a different kind of fitness,” he said.

“I’m pretty pleased with the way Newts (Ben Newton) came in and impressed, until he had a head knock, Frosty (Sam Frost) came out [and impressed] … ‘H’ (Heritier Lumumba) was terrific and Jeffy [Garlett] was buzzing around.

“Even Vanders (Aaron vandenBerg) came on for a half, but he was busy and exciting, so I was pleased to see those blokes involved.

“It feels like we’re creating a bit more depth and that’s something we need and all good sides have it.”