MELBOURNE entered Sunday's clash with Hawthorn with an intent to apply physical pressure at whatever the cost, according to forward Matthew Bate.

Bate, 21, said the Demons identified the Hawks' physicality as their biggest strength, and aimed to better the intensity for which the ladder leaders are renowned for hitting the man and the ball.

"We had a bit of a 'no rules' motto before the game because we knew contesting the ball and being hard at it is what they're good at," Bate told melbournefc.com.au, after the 19-point loss.

"So we thought we have to try and match them in that area."

Having beaten the aggressive Hawks in the tackle count 64 to 50, Bate said the Demons are able to take plenty of positives away from the overall result, including the setting of a new standard for the rest of the season.

"It was disappointing to lose, even though we did show a lot of improvement today," he said.

"Our pressure was much better, but there were just a few areas that cost us.

"I think if we play like that more weeks than not, we'll have a win, but the challenge now is not to be happy with one week.

"That can be the standard set for the rest of the year, and we need to try and reach that and then get better."

He also said witnessing a round of upsets that included three of the top four losing to lower-placed sides, gives the Demons confidence that the competition is often much more even than the ladder indicates.

"Seeing what Collingwood did the other night can give you a bit of belief, and you start thinking, 'Well, why can't we do that?'," he said.

The Demons faced the Hawks on an emotional high, given the retirement of skipper David Neitz last Monday afternoon.

On Sunday, the players ran onto the arena accompanied by Neitz, who addressed the side directly before it ran through the commemorative banner.

Bate said listening to Neitz speak before the opening bounce, as the club's theme song echoed around the MCG, was a moment to be savoured.

"'Neita' had some words for us because it was his farewell game today, and we'll go out and have some drinks with him tonight," he said.

"He was just giving us his final speech, and it was quite emotional. It really stirred us up and pumped us up beforehand."