Essendon captain Jobe Watson believes Saturday night's elimination final loss to North Melbourne will "burn in the guts" of his teammates throughout the off-season.

The Bombers led by as much as 33 points mid way through the third quarter before going down by 12 points to the Kangaroos.

Speaking three days after the loss at the AFL players association awards Watson said the loss did not sit well with the playing group.

"It was disappointing and is probably something that will burn in our guts for a while," Watson said.

"To be in that position and then for North Melbourne to win the game was disappointing but unfortunately you only get one chance in finals."

Watson missed 10 games throughout the season after rupturing his rectus femoris tendon in Round 12 against GWS.

The ability for the club's younger leaders to stand up during that period was a highlight of the season fort he skipper.

Dyson Heppell's performance in Watson's absence never more evident then at the awards ceremony where he was voted fourth in the MVP voting.

"It was great to see the whole playing group including Hepp and the way in which they developed throughout the season," Watson said.

"A lot of the other members of the leadership group have stood up and as they say many hands make light work."