1. When down on personnel it’s super important to make the most of opportunities but the Eagles could not capitalise on periods when they held control and field position. While 52% of the game was played in the West Coast forward half and the inside 50 count was 48-46 in their favour their scoring efficiency sat at 33-57% against the Bombers. With execution and decision-making errors proving costly the deficit was 50 points.

2. The addition of defensive nous in the form of premiership backs Tom Barrass and Shannon Hurn was important. Barrass started forward as the coaching staff changed things up a little but after about 10 minutes in the opening term when Essendon kicked three goals he reverted to his traditional role. Hurn had 27 possessions, 10 marks and gained 554 metres through his touches.

08:15

Rd 11 highlights vs Bombers

The best moments from Saturday night's clash against Essendon from Optus Stadium

3. The return of midfield dynamo Elliot Yeo was also important because it allowed structural change. He was able to rotate through the engine room and into defence and that also allowed young gun Reuben Ginbey to be involved in the role share. Liam Duggan was also able to play exclusively at half-back. Duggan had 35 possessions, 12 marks and gained 353 metres with his touches, while Yeo had 24 disposals three marks and gained 329 metres and Ginbey had 19 possessions five marks and five tackles.

02:11

Yeo post-match vs Bombers

We chatted to returning player Elliot Yeo after tonight's loss to Essendon

4. The role at half-forward is one of the more challenging of the modern game as it involves a lot of unrewarded running. Energetic utility player Connor West, recognised more as a midfielder, performed strongly and provided great zest. He had 13 possessions, took three marks and was involved in an impressive 13 pressure acts.

5. Acting captain Oscar Allen relished the seniority and was the most dangerous forward on the ground. He took four marks inside the attacking 50 metre arc and from his 12 possessions, he kicked 4.1. He was also a little stiff to be denied a blocking free in the third quarter and a mark deep in attack in the last While he excelled as the primary target, Bailey Williams continued his development as the No.1 ruckman. He has 12 possessions, two marks and 33 hit outs, opposed to Sam Draper who is considered a genuine lead ruck who had 13 possessions, three marks and nine hit outs.