YOUNG Demon Rohan Bail believes a greater focus on accountability was behind his side's much-improved effort against Collingwood on Saturday at the MCG.

The 21-year-old, who didn't play in the Demons heavy round-one loss to Hawthorn, said a "solid" week on the track and some revelations about responsibility helped the players regroup.

"There's been a focus on our run and spread, and accountability and chasing and tackling," he told afl.com.au after their one-point loss to the Magpies.

"It just wasn't up to scratch last week but there was a great improvement today from the guys against one of the top sides during the comp.

"That last second though, it could have gone our way... we still put pressure on all day but there were opportunities we missed. I had another opportunity to kick another goal and it didn't go my way."

Bail was playing in his second AFL game but considered it his first since his debut in last year's round 19 lasted less than a quarter after he strained his quad in the warm up.

He said making his second "debut" in mentor Brad Green's 200th game was a "dream come true".

"He drove me to training every day when I first got to the club and it was awesome," Bail said.

"On Friday we watched a highlights tape of Greeny over his 200 games and that was pretty inspirational.

"He's been good to me and good to everyone."

Coach Dean Bailey said Bail's work ethic had influenced his selection against the Magpies and was happy with his one-goal, 15-possession game.

"He's just got a really good attitude," he said.

"He's a very good runner and he created some opportunities in his second game of AFL footy.

"As he matures and gets more game time I'm sure some of those opportunities will turn into bigger ones for him."

Bail said kicking the first goal of the game after Ricky Petterd found him in the goal-square was a "definite rush".

He also said he took precautions to ensure his afternoon wasn't ruined before the first bounce this time around.

"I strapped up my quad even though it's given me no problems since last year just to make sure it would be okay."