Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown and captain Jeremy Smith spoke to the media following Saturday's four-point loss at AAMI Park.
It was a match the Knights were agonisingly close to winning but a number of penalties and errors proved costly.
"To see all the hard work go in, and losing a few bodies in the first half in key positions, then put ourselves in a position to win and not to win, you get that disappointment," Brown said.
"They can hopefully learn what from what that effort and commitment brings to the table and what it allows you to do.
"Learning from it and being consistent about it is hopefully the key message that comes out of the match."
The Knights were down to 15 men for 55 minutes, with injuries to Sione Mata’utia (concussion) and Danny Levi (back) causing a reschuffle that included Robbie Rochow playing in the centres.
"If we can contain those penalties, they would have been doing it a bit harder, I just think we let it go ourselves," Smith added.
"We played 70 minutes of really good footy and there was a ten minute period we let ourselves down and Melbourne being Melbourne came back and made us pay."
The coach hopes his young side will learn from the experience at AAMI Park.
"If we can get that commitment and effort on a consistent basis, we will start to pick up some wins as you'll start to get a bit of luck," Brown added.
“We have to be encouraged by what they delivered... and the challenge is making sure the guys are aware of why we were in that game for so long."
In injury news, Sione Mata'utia, who suffered a head knock, was okay after the match but will need to follow concussion protocols this week while Danny Levi has a lower back injury and requires scans to determine the extent of his injury and Nathan Ross will have precautionary scans on his elbow.
The Knights return home in Round 6 to host the Wests Tigers at Hunter Stadium on Sunday April 10 for the NSW Mining Voice for Mining Family Day.
Tariq Sims is set to return from a five-week suspension, with Brown confirming he will come straight back into the side.
