JACK Viney says a slow start against Carlton proved costly after Melbourne’s 20 point loss to the Blues in wet conditions at the MCG on Sunday.

Speaking to Melbourne TV, Viney said a combination of poor skill execution and missed opportunities contributed to the red and blue’s defeat.

“The first 30 minutes really hurt us; they [Carlton] came out and smashed us so if you give a team a head start like that, it’s pretty hard to bring it back in,” he said.

“Carlton are a good side, they’re up and coming but I look at it more that we didn’t get to do what we wanted to do today.

“The way we set up all week, we just didn’t bring that intensity around the contest.”

Viney said teams could not afford to make simple errors given the proximity of the competition across the league.

“You can’t drop yourself for a second in this competition as it’s so close.

“We missed opportunities and simple skills executions which keeps your opposition in the game.

“It does add up and it does hurt you in the end.”