Melbourne winger Harvey Langford is not to blame for the close loss against the Western Bulldogs, says Demons coach Steven King.
Langford dropped a mark close to goal in the three-point loss with 30 seconds remaining, which would've given the Demons an opportunity to steal the game.
The former top 10 pick, who continued his strong form with 16 touches and two goals, wasn't the reason for the defeat.
"I saw Harvey already and I thought he was pretty good today," King said.
"It wasn't that one (dropped) mark that cost us the game. We had chances to execute in front of goal.
"But more importantly as a coach you're looking at the transition piece the other way defensively, and things you could clean up that you've got control over, instead of relying on brilliance to win you the game."
King will have to replace veteran defender Jake Lever when they take on GWS in Alice Springs next week.
Lever has entered concussion protocols following a head knock in the final 10 minutes of Sunday's clash.
"There was enough there to suggest that he'll enter concussion protocols and we'll look after him," King said.
King proposed that Harrison Petty can switch to defence to take on the Giants' tall attack, while premiership player Tom McDonald is another option to fill the void.
Latrelle Pickett is tipped to return after being managed for the Bulldogs clash.
