Essendon knows it will have to improve significantly if it’s to match it with Fremantle in Perth on Saturday.

The Bombers trailed for much of the game against St Kilda but a late goal to Travis Colyer helped the side sneak home.

“We’ve got some areas to improve and we’re up against a good side next week,” Essendon’s Patrick Ambrose said.

“We’ll definitely have to bring a four quarter performance.” 

Ambrose was one of Essendon’s better players on a day it struggled to find too many winners. 

The half forward gathered 19 possessions, laid eight tackles and kicked two goals. 

“I’ve been playing a role at the back of a stoppage but today I got to play as more of a forward, so that was good to actually lead at the ball.” 

St Kilda has been strong in its opening quarters all season and so it proved again. 

The Saints had eight scoring shots in the opening term but were unable to fully capitalise, scoring just two majors. 

Their conversion was better in the second quarter as they kicked away, but the Bombers adjusted and came in at half time just one point down. 

“When we locked it in our forward line we felt dangerous at forward stoppages,” Ambrose said. 

Essendon now have six days to prepare for Fremantle who sit on top of the ladder.