1. The coaching staff mixed things up a bit with one of the more successful initiatives being the move of Liam Ryan into the midfield. He has been used there in previous weeks, but his presence was more consistent against the Bombers. Ryan finished with 19 possessions, three marks and six clearances, including a few out of the front of the centre square. The forwards enjoyed seeing him heading in their direction at speed with seven inside 50 entries.

2. The Eagles were a chance when they got within four points in the third quarter, but Essendon were generally able to respond when under threat. They moved the ball quickly in transition, kicking 10 goals after rebounding out of defence. The Bombers also enjoyed about a four-goal advantage in scores from stoppage.

06:51

Rd 15 highlights v Bombers

The best moments from Sunday's clash against Essendon at Marvel Stadium

3. Some of the key metrics the Eagles have been chasing were met, particularly in terms of playing the game in their forward half where they had a narrow advantage of 52% to 48% and that was reflected in an edge in inside 50 entries (56-54). West Coast won the clearances 44-35 and contested possessions were virtually even. The Eagles might have had the ball in attack more often, but converting opportunities was the issue, kicking 13.14 to 19.8.

4. One of the absorbing match ups of the day saw Elliot Yeo being tagged by tough Bombers inside midfielder Jye Caldwell. They went toe-to-toe for virtually the entire contest with honours even. Yeo had 20 disposals, seven clearances, five inside 50 entries and 13 tackles while Caldwell had 26 possessions, six clearances and 11 tackles.

09:24

Simpson post-match v Bombers

Senior Coach Adam Simpson fronts the media following his side's clash against Essendon

5. Co-captain Oscar Allen made a strong return to football, playing his first game since the round one defeat by Port Adelaide. Obviously given the period of time on the sidelines there was an expectation he would be a little rusty and that was the case early. But his touch returned as the game progressed and he had 10 score involvements, kicking 2.4 in an encouraging display. The chemistry between Allen, Jake Waterman (three goals) and Jack Darling (two) was evident and will only improve as they settle into their roles.