THERE was little anyone can say after being part of a team that has gone down by 186 points. It was a situation with few precedents for Melbourne's first year captain Brad Green as he faced the media after the game.

He suggested the press could use any words they thought sufficient to describe the performance then added a few of his own. "Insipid," he said. "Shocking, shocking performance from our club and our side and it is something that you can't accept."

Green stood at the press conference defenceless. There was none of the usual post-game analysis that consists of a mix and positives and negatives and shining lights. It was apologetic more than analytical: "I think we let everyone down. The playing group let everyone down: the supporters, the coaching staff, everybody," he said.  

Green finished the game with just 12 possessions after starting deep forward, one of 22 players who played below par. His message was clear: the responsibility for such a poor performance must be borne by the playing group. 

He refused to look to any other explanation as to what might have been behind such a performance.

"That playing group did not play well enough today and that is all you can put it down to," he said.

"Our performance was not up to the standard that we require to play AFL footy and that is disappointing."

It was just the third time in Green's 236 game career where he has been part of a team on the receiving end of 100 plus point loss. The most recent occasion was also against Geelong - in round 19, 2008 when the club recovered from a 116-point loss to defeat the Eagles the next week by 34 points. 

"It's got to hurt," Green said. "It bloody hurts when you put on that performance it really hurts and really stings deep. It's going to be tough but we have got to get back on that horse and keep riding it."

Green emphasised that the playing group was united and that unity would be critical as preparations for the following week began. "We're all in this together and we're going to get ourselves out of it," said Green. "It's the only way. There are no ifs, buts or maybes."

He highlighted the current reality facing Melbourne. The team has no superstars. It needs 22 contributors if it is to compete with the best teams.

Unfortunately such an inconsistent set of performances has caused many supporters to lose heart. Green understood such a performance also had the potential to adversely affect the players' belief.

He pledged to get around the group to ensure their mindset stayed positive and doubts weren't allowed to fester.

"They're a great group and they will bounce back in the next couple of days," he said.

But in the end even he knew it was all words. The actions of everyone involved in the club from now on would determine whether they carried any worth or not.

Green is facing the biggest challenge of his captaincy. His response will define his career.