FORWARD James Frawley says Melbourne’s start and finish cost it from an upset win over top of the table Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park Oval on Saturday.

Speaking post-match after his side’s 20-point loss, Frawley a slow start in particular proved costly.

“Apart from the first 10 minutes, we were right in the game,” he told Dee TV.

“They kicked four goals in the first 10 minutes to zero and then after that – we were good for three and a half quarters and they kicked six goals.

“Our defensive game was pretty good, apart from [the opening] 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of the game. I think we went away from our structures and our role and it really cost us in that last quarter, when we were ahead, so it was very disappointing.”

Frawley said it was frustrating to be right in the hunt yet again and fall short, given the Demons have now dropped four matches by 20 points or fewer.

“Against the Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast, GWS and today was another example of being in the game, but not getting over the line,” he said.

“From last year, we’ve improved a lot and Port Adelaide is a great side – they’re on top of the ladder and they’ve lost one game and we pushed them right to the end.

“We’re definitely getting better and improving, but it’s just taking the next step – and when we’re a chance – to actually win the game and take it with both hands.”

Still, Frawley was optimistic Melbourne could make further progress in the second half of the season.

“We’ve improved a lot over the first 10 rounds of the year and we’ve still got a long way to go. When we’re in winning positions, [we need] to take it with both hands and get the four points,” he said.

“The boys have been really positive about how we’ve been going, but realistically, we’re three [wins] and seven [losses] where we are – and still well down the ladder.

“There’s still plenty of improvement to do and we’ve got plenty more rounds to work on, and hopefully we’ll sneak a few wins in.”