In the end it wasn't enough, but Jeff Garlett's four-goal haul at least gave Melbourne something to cheer on Friday night.
A shocking defensive kick from Jack Viney allowed Essendon to steal a late 0.11.11 (77) to 0.11.9 (75) victory over the Demons.
But for the first time in a year, coach Paul Roos has seen one of his forwards notch a four-goal bag.
Not since the opening match of Roos' reign at Melbourne, when Jeremy Howe kicked four in a pre-season defeat of Richmond, has a Demon kicked four majors.
Ex-Blue Garlett is just one new face in a new-look forward line for Melbourne.
Against Essendon, Chris Dawes (two goals) roamed further from goal while gun youngster Jesse Hogan stayed closer to the goal square.
GWS recruit Sam Frost spent time as a marking forward, as did Watts (two goals), while Aaron VandenBerg snuck through two as well.
Roos said the combined output of his forward group was pleasing despite the loss.
"We're certainly looking a lot more dangerous front of centre," Roos said.
After such a meagre attacking output last year, Roos said his job was now about bringing up the side's minimum standards.
"The difference between our best and our worst is pretty dramatic," he said.
"We've been able to address the top end, but we haven't been able to address the bottom end."
There was a positive too in Heritier Lumumba's form off half-back, who Roos said "did everything but cut the oranges at three-quarter time".
But with a round one date with GWS Giants a fortnight away, Roos said his focus before then would be on ensuring his forwards received a better ball supply.
"We've obviously got a lot of work to do (especially) two way running and the ball use with the forwards."
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