Essendon coach Mark Thompson has put the onus on his players to stick to the structures late in games to ensure they can protect a lead.

Essendon lost to Melbourne Sunday night by just one point, the Dees kicking a goal to hit the front with just 19 seconds remaining.

Melbourne sub and first-year player Christian Salem marked 25-meters out directly in front and kicked truly to put Melbourne in the lead by a solitary point.

Thompson spoke candidly about what should have happened in final passage of play that resulted in the Demons’ game-winning goal.

“If we’re in front of the game, with a minute or half a minute, we should have every Essendon player at least up to the ball,” he said.

“Not just defenders but midfielders and forwards as well.

“Forwards come up to the contest line, and the mids mix and match in the middle and then you’ve got your defenders.

“You’d expect to have your defenders to be way back from where they were- another 20-30 meters.

“You’d like to see probably 15 players between the ball and their goals.”

Thompson has reiterated continuously this season that the Bombers need to improve their ability to stick to their game plan to develop a winning style of play.

Essendon now turn their attention to Saturday night when they face the Adelaide Crows in a crunch game for both teams.

The match is set to have a significant bearing on the composition of the top eight come September as both teams sit one win away, only separated by percentage.