MELBOURNE AFL senior coach Steven King is remaining positive about his side's ability despite suffering its first loss of the 2026 season last weekend. 

King joined media on Wednesday morning to talk all things Round 3, four days out from his team's clash with Carlton. 

ON ROUND 2 LOSS

“Clearly our start wasn’t where we wanted it to be and we didn’t plan on executing that way,” King said.

“Our contest wasn’t sharp enough. Fremantle was red hot and when you go down minus 20 in the contest at quarter time, you do waste a lot of tickets chasing and defending.

“For us, it’s about simple execution and getting things balanced at stoppage.

“I am proud of the way we fought back with the rest of the game being even or plus in most indicators, but you just can’t give a team a headstart like that.”

ON GAWN'S 250TH

"The way Max has performed for such a long period of time, even just his performances this year have been inspirational," King said.

"What makes him remarkable is the adversity he had early in his career, it took a while for him to get going...but for him to be as influential as he has been as a ruck, he's just found a way.

"I don't think I need to get up and say 'let's win for Max', I'd like to see a response regardless...and Max will lead the way with how he goes about it, and the rest of his teammates with follow."

ON ROUND 3 

"We're game three into a new game plan and new system so for us, we're just chasing constant improvement," King said. 

"I don't think it matters whether you're favourites or underdogs, we just need to improve again, and show the lessons we've learned from last week. Whether it be Carlton this week, or anyone we face, we need to respond and get those improvements."