Demons 'a bit safe' but plenty to play for: Goodwin

Simon Goodwin admits his Melbourne players went into their shells during another goalless final term that cost them in a five-point loss to Brisbane.

But, after missing a chance to move as high as fifth on the AFL ladder, the Demons coach insists their season isn't a write-off.

The visitors led by 24 points at the Gabba on Friday night but managed just four behinds in the final term in a five-point loss.

Hugh McCluggage kicked a goal from the boundary after Alex Neal-Bullen was penalised for deliberately taking the ball out, after the Lions had butchered several chances in a one-sided final term.

Last week North Melbourne scored 30 unanswered points against the Demons but fell three points short of an upset win.

"In reality we went a bit safe," Goodwin said. "Big occasion, a lot of young players playing. We probably just went into our shell a bit.

"There's a bit to unpack in that last quarter ... ball in hand we made a lot of mistakes and that's two weeks now, evidence to suggest we need to have a look at it, and we will."

The Demons had kicked six consecutive goals to build a lead, their second quarter a superb display of contested, clinical football.

"The core elements of our game our back in check," Goodwin said. "It (pressure) was great, wasn't it? We want to be a really strong contest team."

The loss was a fifth in the last seven games for Melbourne, leaving them little wiggle room if they are to contest finals.

"There's plenty to play for in this season," Goodwin said. "There's a long, long way to go and we feel like we're building. There's a lot to like in our game."