A SECOND-QUARTER “lapse” cost Melbourne victory at Telstra Dome on Sunday, Demons coach Neale Daniher said after the game.

The Western Bulldogs outscored Melbourne by six goals to one in the second term, turning a 12-point deficit at quarter time to a 17-point advantage at half time.

“There was just a lapse there,” Daniher said. “We started the quarter well but we just couldn’t score. We let them off the hook for 15 or so minutes. On reflection it cost us.

“We won three quarters … but couldn’t get the job done in the end. We weren’t quite slick enough up forward for the opportunities that we had, but we had a crack.”

Daniher said he couldn’t fault the character of his team in what was its second loss by a goal or less in as many weeks.

“I’m really pleased with the endeavour of our team as a coach. If they keep that up the tide will turn,” Daniher said.

The coach rejected the notion that the Demons were simply out of luck in season 2007.

“We take responsibility for where we’re at. There are also other areas we need to work on,” he said.

Daniher praised Aaron Davey for his 29 possessions, 10 marks and three goals.

“It was a super game from Aaron. We’ve got some great players … but we’re learning in the school of hard knocks,” Daniher said.

Daniher said the Demons would not take a backward step against a rebounding West Coast next weekend at Subiaco.

“We’ll go into the game with confidence just like we did today. Port were second [on the ladder] and we thought we could beat them. With our best team out on the park, playing with confidence, we’re hard to beat.”