Defeat ... Nathan Jones launches a ball forward for Melbourne. Source: Getty Images
MELBOURNE coach Neil Craig says the Demons were gulity of "really poor execution'' and a "lack of discipline'' in the 13-point loss to the Gold Coast.
The Demons were right in the hunt for their third win of 2013 and led late in the third term after a goal to Jack Fitzpatrick.
But they quickly succumb to an under-manned Suns who lost Sam Day (hamstring), Alex Sexton (shoulder) and Nathan Bock (leg) to game-ending injuries that left the Gold Coast with just one player on the interchange bench in the final term.
Ablett held but Suns burn Demons
"We just found a way to lose. We need to break through that barrier,''
Craig said.
"We got our ourselves into a position to do that (finish over the top of the Suns) but clearly in the last quarter there was too many missed opportunities.
"They were having a shot from outside and we give away a 50 metre penalty...a snapshot and noone on the goalline.
"Those things I just rattled off are just a lack of discipline or really poor execution.''
Clisby, Jordie McKenzie and Colin Garland did a fine tag-team job on Gary Ablett who had just 19 touches in his 250th senior match.
Craig made special mention of McKenzie's work on Ablett and dismissed suggestion by Suns coach Guy McKenna that they operated outside the rules.
He urged Demons supporters to keep the faith.
"Our performances in general are dishearteneing to our supporters...stay patient,'' he said.
Nathan Jones was Melbourne's best with 29 touches and seven clearances while Jack Viney was not far behind with 24 disposals and eight clearances. Jack Watts and Dean Kent kicked two goals apiece for the Demons.
The Demons lost high-flyer Jeremy Howe before the first bounce with the human highlight reel a late withdrawal due to a calf injury.
Howe suffered the injury at training on Thursday but still travelled to the Gold Coast. He was replaced in the 22 by Daniel Nicholson.
Tagger Mitch Clisby could be scritinised by the Match Review Panel for his involvement in a scuffle in the final term that left Sexton with a dislocated shoulder.
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