Fremantle’s slow start on Saturday night let Melbourne get too far ahead, according to midfielder Stephen Hill.

Despite taking an early lead through Matt Taberners’ goal of the year nominated dribble from the pocket, Fremantle trailed Melbourne at the first break, after the Demons’ kicked six of the next seven goals.

“We let them get away too much, and turned it over, and they just worked harder then us in the first half,” Hill said.

“We wanted to come out and start well in the first quarter, and come out firing, and we sort of let ourselves down when we didn’t do that.”

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Fremantle responded in the second half, kicking the final three goals of the third quarter to bring the margin back to 31 points.

Hill said the team’s second half was much better as they placed Melbourne’s midfield under more pressure and were competitive around the ground.

Hill, who was among Fremantle’s best, collecting 22 possessions, including 11 in the third quarter, said the bye was no excuse.

“I think a couple of teams have come off byes, I think Collingwood did last week and beat us, so I don’t think it affected us,’ said Hill.

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Fremantle outscored Melbourne after the main-break, but weren’t able to fight their way back into the game.

Hill said attention now turns to this week’s fixture against Geelong at Domain Stadium on Friday night.

“It’s all about just recovering, getting our bodies right,” Hill said.

“It’s a short week, so doing all the little things, get in the pool and get ready for next Friday.”