Midfielder Jye Caldwell says the result on Friday night was disappointing but allows the group to galvanise and get back on track this upcoming Sunday against Port Adelaide.

Caldwell on… the Round One review

“It was a disappointing night on Friday. We spent the whole summer working towards that game against the Hawks and we didn’t deliver.

“There was a big build-up to it, and it was disappointing, but the good thing about it is it’s round one and we’ve got plenty of footy ahead of us.

“So all eyes are on Sunday now.”

02:56

Rd 1 | The Last Word

Hear from assistant coach Ben Jacobs following Essendon’s loss to Hawthorn.

Caldwell on… the playing group’s review process

“It’s about being honest with each other within the locker room and with the coaches and doing a deep dive into how we can be better.

“It’s not huge changes, I feel like it’s little things that happen across the duration of a game.

“You watch games across the weekend and if you’re off by a little bit, the margins can get big. The scoreline might look bad but honestly a small change can make a big difference.”

Caldwell on… building cohesion in the midfield

“It’s good having those boys (Darcy Parish and Archie Roberts) in there.

“With Robbo coming in this year it brings a different perspective to the group, and with Parish back as well it’s good to get some continuity.

“We haven’t really played much together over the last few years with injuries and different challenges, but it was great working together over the summer and finally playing together on the weekend.

“Hopefully we can play a full season together and build more cohesion in there.”

00:42

Rd 1 | ‘G erupts as Merrett owns the moment with huge goal

Zach Merrett lands a brilliant major and soaks in the noise from a roaring crowd.

Caldwell on… stopping opposition scoring bursts

“There are a lot of little moments that happen throughout a game.

“If you give good teams like the Hawks a sniff they can keep hitting the scoreboard, so you want to minimise those periods.

“I feel like it’s about keeping your head high and giving maximum effort at every opportunity you get.”

Caldwell on… the challenge of travelling to face Port Adelaide

“There’s a challenge every week. AFL footy is very demanding and you’ve got to put your best foot forward each week.

“It’s another opportunity to go over to Port and play a side that lost on the weekend to North.

“So going over there to their home ground for the first time this year is going to be a massive challenge, and we’ll be up for it.”