Demons 'a bit safe' but plenty to play for: Goodwin

Disconsolate Demons players react after tasting defeat against the Lions in Brisbane.

Simon Goodwin admits his Melbourne players went into their shells during another goalless final term that cost them in a five-point loss to Brisbane.

But, after missing a chance to move as high as fifth on the AFL ladder, the Demons coach insists their season isn't a write-off.

The visitors led by 24 points at the Gabba on Friday night but managed just four behinds in the final term in a five-point loss.

Hugh McCluggage kicked a goal from the boundary after Alex Neal-Bullen was penalised for deliberately taking the ball out, after the Lions had butchered several chances in a one-sided final term.

Last week North Melbourne scored 30 unanswered points against the Demons but fell three points short of an upset win.

"In reality we went a bit safe," Goodwin said. "Big occasion, a lot of young players playing. We probably just went into our shell a bit.

"There's a bit to unpack in that last quarter ... ball in hand we made a lot of mistakes and that's two weeks now, evidence to suggest we need to have a look at it, and we will."

The Demons had kicked six consecutive goals to build a lead, their second quarter a superb display of contested, clinical football.

"The core elements of our game our back in check," Goodwin said. "It (pressure) was great, wasn't it? We want to be a really strong contest team."

The loss was a fifth in the last seven games for Melbourne, leaving them little wiggle room if they are to contest finals.

"There's plenty to play for in this season," Goodwin said. "There's a long, long way to go and we feel like we're building. There's a lot to like in our game."