VETERAN defender Jake Lever says his defensive group will take plenty away from its encounter with Geelong.

Melbourne's defence was given a difficult challenge as the side struggled to move the ball, giving away crucial turnovers that put its defenders under the pump.

Down full back Daniel Turner who missed the clash with a rib injury, Melbourne turned to second-gamer Lukas Cooke and stalwart Tom McDonald.

"You'd almost call it Cooke's first game considering he only played a quarter and a half last time," Lever said.

"He'll have a lot of learnings and Blake Howes probably played a little bit taller."

"We understand how important Disco is, he's been a phenomenal player all year but it gives blokes like Cookey an opportunity."