MELBOURNE’S 10-point loss to the Bulldogs was uncharacteristic.

For the first time since 2019, the Demons conceded over 100 points, getting into a shootout at Marvel Stadium which didn’t end favourably.

And now, senior coach Simon Goodwin is looking for an immediate fix.

“For us, 110 points against isn’t a normal Melbourne game,” he said.

“The Bulldogs certainly got the game more looking like their type of game for longer and that’s what enabled them to get themselves back into the game more consistently.

“We’ll go away and have a look that.”

The Dees led by as much as 21 points in the third quarter on Saturday night, but couldn’t remain in front when it mattered most.

As a result, they sit just two points clear of their next opponent, the fifth placed Dockers.

“When you lose tight games and close games at this time of the year, it hurts,” Goodwin said.

“As I said, 110 points against isn’t quite the way we want to play, and obviously that third quarter where they dominated the time in half - they’re two things we’ll go away and look at.”

The Round 20 clash at Optus Stadium will be all about restricting the opposition, with some crucial areas for improvement off a six-day break.

“The hallmark of the Melbourne Football Club is strong defensively,” Goodwin said.

“We gave up too many goals in critical moments of the game.

“That’s a key essence of how we want to play, is to be strong defensively, and to give up 110 points is why you get beat.”