MELBOURNE needs a new injection of talent in the off-season, coach Paul Roos says.

Roos was full of praise for his depleted side’s effort in its 54-point loss to Fremantle, acquitting itself well after a goalless first term.

Five talking points: Fremantle v Melbourne

Roos said Melbourne didn’t have a strong enough squad to deal with a recent spate of injuries.

"It’s certainly not a team that has enough talent at the moment to have so many players out of the team,” Roos said.

"And we also need to make some decisions in the off-season and get some new players in.

WATCH: Paul Roos' full media conference

"But I want to finish off the season really well next week. As I said to the players, 'just come ready to play like you did today'.

"But I'm really excited about having another pre-season with these guys. (Christian) Salem coming back, we see what a talent he is. I thought (Jesse) Hogan, the way he fought back after half-time, just shows what a competitor (he is).

"So there’s some really, really good signs for our footy club, it’s just going to take some time and people do get impatient. I understand that."

Roos said Angus Brayshaw and James Harmes had been rested because they were sore, Dom Tyson had re-injured his hamstring, while Heritier Lumumba would not be available next week. Chris Dawes would likely play.

He was hopeful captain Nathan Jones, who injured his ankle against Fremantle and was subbed out of his 200th game during the second quarter, would be available for the game against GWS on Sunday. Jake Spencer had been concussed.

Roos said Fremantle was as good a chance as any of the top sides to win the premiership.