IT WAS a thrilling second half at the MCG on Thursday night, with the intense clash between Melbourne and Carlton seeing the Dees lose by just one-point after being 31 down at half time.

Simon Goodwin joined the media following the loss to discuss the disappointing result, game plan and moving forward.

The first half of the game saw the Blues take charge of the match, leaving the Demons score-less in the first quarter.

Goodwin credited the opposition’s pressure and ability to take control, which ultimately resulted in a tough fight for the Dees.

“You’re going to wake up feeling pretty crook about that one, in terms of how we started,” Goodwin said.

“There was a lot to like [in the second half] but the damage was done.

“Our responsibility as a footy club is to rock up and compete in a way that keeps you in the game for longer, so that’s where the game was won, and we lost early.

“It’s a credit to Carlton. I thought they came out and attacked the game the way it should’ve been done, and we’ve got some work to do, to make sure we get our stats right.”

With the high-pressure game massively affecting the Demons, Melbourne coaches looked to make a change mid-game, switching players when needed.

Players such as Christian Petracca, Ed Langdon and Alex Neal-Bulleen were all able to create maximal impact to improve the team’s chances, ultimately aiding scoring and efficiency inside 50.

Petracca registered five goals and 21 disposals, Langdon with 24 disposals and Neal-Bulleen collecting 23 disposals and five clearances.

“The game demanded to change things up,” Goodwin said.

“We had to adjust a lot in game and had players play different roles and we were trying to find an avenue to score and get back into the game and Christian was one of those guys. He was outstanding. 

“It’s a discussion we have each week with all of our players… where do we place these guys so they will have maximal impact on the game.”

While the narrow loss was frustrating, Goodwin acknowledged the fight and determination of the Dees players, refusing to accept defeat.

“When we play Carlton, we know it’s going to be a fight, it’s going to be close, it’s going to be a battle, and generally it’s going to be low scoring… its one of those battles that the supporters come to the game and love to watch, as we do as coaches,” Goodwin said.

“It took the last quarter to really start to get on top before we got a really good look.

“We’re still finding our way forward to where we want to be and what we want to become as a footy team and I’m really clear that were on the way to being that and I’m looking forward to the remainder of the year.

“Well just continue to look at what’s best for our footy club.”