DEFENDER Neville Jetta says his team stood up when it needed to this week, although it fell short by three points against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

On the back of two 10-goal-plus losses to top four teams Fremantle and Geelong, Jetta said the Demons needed to take it right up to the fifth placed Port Adelaide this round – or face a similar scenario to the previous two rounds.

And although frustrated by the nail-biting loss, Jetta said the Demons showed plenty of fight.  

“We stood up a lot better than we have in the last few weeks – everyone was playing their role, which helped the team,” he told Dee TV.

“It was a lot better than the last few weeks, but we’ve still got a long way to go.

“[It’s] definitely good that the boys have responded in the way that we did against Port after the last few losses against Fremantle and Geelong.

“It’s not the way we want to play and it’s not the way Roosy wants us to play.

“It’s definitely disappointing, because we had the game in our hands and a few little slip ups hurt – and good teams like Port take their chances. Those little chances turn into goals straight away and then it’s the ball game.”

Jetta, who has played 11 matches this season and has become an important member of Melbourne’s defence, said he was relishing the opportunity to be a regular in the team.

“I’m trying to take it week by week. I’ve played some really good games this year, but I also got suspended, which hurt myself and my form and the team, so I really wanted to repay the boys against Geelong,” he said.

“I tried to do too much at times and hurt the team [last round], so I tried to get back to basics this game and do what I do best.

“It’s great playing some good footy, and some footy that’s not start-stop – like it has been for the last few years. I wouldn’t say I’m happy [with my form], but I’m a lot more satisfied than the past few years.

“It’s good to get a good run at it and show what I’ve got to offer.”