The challenge, Lemon says, is convincing his players they’re good enough to win silverware come September.

The Roos suffered a five-point loss to competition frontrunners Ainslie at O’Connor Park on Saturday, but remain in contention for a top two spot courtesy of four strong victories to start the season.

The hosts fought back from a disastrous opening term – which included conceding two goals while a man down and not fielding a full complement of 22 until quarter time as three players were running late – to very nearly pinch the four competition points.

Lemon was the first to admit that not having 18 on the field for the first 10 minutes was no-one’s fault but his own.

“It might have been a bit better if we’d had 18 to start with,” he explained.

“But if that’s the best they [Ainslie] have got, I’m not worried.”

The Roos gifted the Tricolours a 15 point quarter time lead. That buffer grew to 26 at the third change, before the hosts mounted a last gasp rear-guard.

Lemon concedes his side left itself too much work to do in the final quarter.

The Roos fell five points short but take comfort in the knowledge they’re capable of matching the competition’s strongest clubs.

“We gave them half a game head start,” Lemon continued.

“We’ve got to get to the ground switched on and ready to go. These guys [Yass] could win this competition, but we need to start better.”

Improved mental attitude will go a long way to bridging the narrow gap between the Roos and Tricolours, but it won’t solve everything, Lemon says.

The home side’s handling and foot skills were below par. Furthermore, the Roos don’t access the training paddock as often as their interstate rivals, most of whom practice alongside top-line AFL Canberra footballers.

“Our endeavour’s good, but our skill set is letting us down a bit,” the coach continued.

“You can see the difference between the teams that train two to three times a week compared to us, who train once.”

Lemon singled out midfielder Toby Serafin for praise after Saturday’s outing. Uncompromising defender Tom Hanson excelled, as did newcomer Jack Cathels.

The trio’s performance helped fill the void left by regular starters, the injured Daniel Smith and Cameron Atwell.

The Roos will lick their wounds from Saturday’s loss with a bye and a weekend away from the game. The early season rest has come at a good time for the Roos, who are nursing injuries.

Key defender Adam Forth has been ruled out for the season with a snapped anterior cruciate ligament. Adding to their woes is a right leg injury to on-baller Ben Serafin and the absence of important midfielder, James Gray.

The latter two are expected to be fit in time for the Roos’ next encounter, against Googong on May 28.