MELBOURNE coach Paul Roos blames Saturday's 25-point loss to Adelaide on missed opportunities and the mature bodies of the Crows' midfielders.
Despite the loss Roos was content his young side was continuing to take strides forward in its development.
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The Demons were much fiercer at the contest early in the game and booted the first three goals.
Adelaide settled and took control but wasn't able to kick away from Roos' gallant unit.
WATCH: Paul Roos' full media conference
As difficult as goalkicking would have been in wet and windy conditions, Jeff Garlett kicked four behinds and Dean Kent and Jesse Hogan two each as the Demons finished with 7.13 to Adelaide's 12.8.
The coach said it proved the difference.
Talking points: Adelaide v Melbourne
"The easy goals that we missed just doesn't keep the scoreboard ticking over, scoreboard pressure and playing against a good team you've got to take those chances," Roos said.
"The bigger bodies around the contest, the mature bodies and just the fact that they took their chances and we didn't.
"Goalkicking's one of the most underrated stats; we talk about contested possession and uncontested possession and tackles, but goalkicking percentage is massive.
"We get 7.13 and they kick 12[.8] – that's the difference as well as their bigger bodies and just the conditioning.
"I was proud of our guys."
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Sam Frost injured his foot and was subbed out of the contest in the second term.
The club will assess the injury before determining the best course of action.
