MIDFIELDER Bernie Vince expects Melbourne to improve and become more competitive, but admits it's going to be a long process.

He said the Demons couldn't win without an even contribution across the board and said the club lacked a superstar who could drag the team across the line. 

"We are a club in a position where we need everyone playing well to win games," Vince told AFL.com.au after Saturday night's loss to St. Kilda.

Vince bemoaned the poor ball use going forward against the Saints – the Demons ended up kicking 6.15 – and said the midfielders wasted chances, particularly in the first half when they had plenty of opportunities to score or set up scoring opportunities.

"I thought our first half was pretty poor, apart from the first five or 10 minutes we really let them back into the game," he said.

"Fifteen minutes in we should have been three or four goals up but we were only a goal up. But you have to make the most of your opportunities," Vince said.

He conceded the lack of options up forward in the absence of Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes and Jesse Hogan sometimes forced the ball carrier to second-guess his decision and led to him being caught or picking the wrong option.

But he said it was no excuse and the players who were there were capable of getting the job done.

"There were probably some costly turnovers that resulted in some goals," Vince said. 

"Minimise that and have an even spread across the board; we'll be more than competitive."  

Vince performed well in his first game for the Demons after crossing from Adelaide, having 28 disposals and kicking 1.4. He hit the post twice in the first half when having gettable shots at goal.