Essendon produced some of its best attacking football of the season against Port Adelaide on Saturday night. 

The Bombers kicked 17 goals and had 31 scoring shots in the 13-point loss to the Power.

“It was exciting to see the way they played,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.

“They played free football and we scored quite heavily, so certainly for the Essendon supporters there is something there.” 

Despite conceding 20 goals to the Power Hird was pleased with the way players were able to execute other elements of the game plan.

“The players and coaches are disappointed with the loss but happier with the development and the way our game is looking compared to five or six weeks ago. 

“We’re disappointed that we got scored as heavily against as we did but we’re excited we’re starting to score, we’re starting to move the ball well."

The Bombers fielded a side featuring six players with 16 games or less AFL experience.

22-year-old Alex Browne collected 17 possessions and kicked an important last quarter goal.

Nick O’Brien gathered 32 disposals in his tenth game of senior football.

While first year players Jayden Laverde and Kyle Langford were dangerous in the forward half kicking four goals between them.

The young contingent was guided by an experienced core with Hird praising the contributions of Brendon Goddard, Brent Stanton and David Zaharakis. 

“I think we’re playing a style of football and a group of players that’s exciting for the future,” Hird said.

“Essendon supporters have been so good for so long.

“We’d love you to come and support us as much as you can.

“We’ve got a big game against the Bulldogs, western suburb rivals, there is a long rivalry that goes on between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon so we’d love to see as many Essendon supporters out there this week as we can.”