MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin says basic skill errors were ultimately at fault for his side’s Round 8 loss to Brisbane.

Despite a late fightback, the Demons fell four points short at Metricon Stadium on Sunday night, bringing their season record to three wins and four defeats.

And while their final term efforts provided plenty of excitement, it was their poor execution throughout the game that just proved too costly.

“I thought it was a good game of footy,” Goodwin said in his post-match press conference.

“We were up against a good side and we gave ourselves good opportunities, but we didn’t execute.

“When you don’t execute against the best, you generally don’t win.”

The Demons managed seven goals from their 41 entries, while Brisbane were slightly more efficient with its attack up forward.

The Lions also dominated the contest, winning the clearance game 35 to 22, and also claimed the possession count.

“Brisbane executed the basics better,” Goodwin said.

“They were a little bit better at clearance, they were a little bit better in the way they defended and hunted in contest areas.

“They were more disciplined and critical moments were theirs. They are a very good side for a reason.”

While the Dees showed their fight in the final term – they kicked three goals to none to get within three points – consistency continues to be a focus.

And for the coach, it comes down to remaining in control.

“We speak about discipline all the time,” Goodwin said.

“Discipline is about doing the right thing at the right time, all the time.

“We’re constantly looking at that and educating our players.”

Melbourne now has to swiftly move its attention to Thursday night, as it prepares to take on the ladder-leaders in Port Adelaide.

The quick turnaround will kick off a big month of footy, that will see the Dees play five games in three weeks.

“We’ve got a four-day break and we’re prepared for that,” Goodwin said.

“We’re playing a very similar side in Port Adelaide. They’re very much a contested ball team, so we’ll take a look at this game and see what we can do better.”

Thursday night’s clash will be played at the Gabba, scheduled to start at 7.50pm AEST.