Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says his side's first quarter against Gold Coast, when they conceded five goals to nothing, was "unacceptable" as the margin was held for the remainder of the day.

The Demons rallied from the first change until the final siren, managing to cope without Blake Howes and Harrison Petty for the majority of the day, losing both to concussion before half-time.

But it was too little, too late, and even a 5.6 final term wasn't enough to swing the result.

 Saturday, June 28 
Gold Coast WON BY 19 POINTS
People First Stadium
GC   
104
FT
85
   MELB

"You sit here with mixed emotions," Goodwin said.

"That first quarter was unacceptable in terms of our ability to win the ball, our ability to pressure the ball, our ability to get our hands on the ball.

"Gold Coast were unbelievable, but we were miles off early in the game, and clearly that was the game.

"At quarter time, you're 37-1 down, and we could have been more down.

"You sit here the last three quarters, really proud of the group. The grit, two players down with concussion, the ability to fight โ€ฆ and you see a team grow.

"You walk away with a disappointing result in an outcome-based sport. It's frustrating."

A huge omission at the selection table was All-Australian defender Jake Lever, who was sent back to the VFL to improve his form.

Lever has been a mainstay in Goodwin's side since crossing from the Crows ahead of the 2018 season.

The Demons coach explained his reasoning as to why the 29-year-old played in the curtain raiser to the AFL clash.

"Since he came back (against Sydney in round 11), his form hasn't quite been to the level," Goodwin said.

"The mindset was to get him to go back to feel really strong about his footy โ€ฆ and he did take a step forward today.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin denies Steven May "cheat" calls, weighs in on defender's availability
Jake Lever during Melbourne's open training session at Gosch's Paddock, Melbourne in 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes/Zero Digital Sports)

"He's a highly, highly valued member of our team and of our club, and we want to get him back in the team as quick as possible."

The Demons will remain on the road as they travel to South Australia to take on Adelaide on Sunday.

 Sunday, July 6 
Adelaide WON BY 13 POINTS
Adelaide Oval
ADEL   
90
FT
77
   MELB