AFTER a 40-point loss to St Kilda on Saturday, Christian Salem says Melbourne needs to better at the basics going forward.

The Demons were beaten in most facets of the game, leaving them with just one win from five rounds of footy in 2019.

“It’s very disappointing,” Salem told Melbourne Media.

“I think we just shot ourselves in the foot to be honest in the second quarter.

“We did well to lock it in our half, but basic fundamentals and skill errors really cost us, then they punished us going the other way.

“So it’s really disappointing.”

The Saints proved too strong as the game progressed, using their leg speed to advantage on the wings of the MCG.

“Our skill errors left us in vulnerable positions and they’re obviously a quick team, so they got us out the back numerous times,” Salem said.

“We’ve got to do a better job of hitting and executing our fundamentals which will obviously give us more shots on goal and keep it locked in our half.”

Melbourne hasn’t had a problem getting the ball forward this season, with another 55 inside 50s on Saturday afternoon – eight more than the Saints.

But going at just 35 percent efficiency, the Dees’ inability to convert is beginning to prove problematic.

“It’s always a positive getting the ball inside 50 – it gives you a better chance to score,” Salem said.

“But obviously as you saw out there, we weren’t using it well at all and really shot ourselves in the foot.

“We’ve got four days, we’ve got a quick turnaround, and I’m sure we’ll work on that and get ready for Richmond.”

With such a short break in the lead up to Round 6, Salem believes it could be a positive for his side to get straight back out there.

“We’ll review it the same as a win or a loss,” he said.

“There’ll be some key areas that we’ll take out of the game obviously.

“It’s disappointing obviously, but we’ve got four days to get ourselves ready.”