Young defender Jordan Ridley says he is confident Essendon’s new tactical systems will yield positive results soon after the Bombers fell narrowly short to Carlton on Thursday night.

The Blues’ lead blew out to 37 points early in the final term of the JLT Community Series opener at Ikon Park, but a five-goal blitz brought the Dons within just three points midway through the quarter.

The intensity certainly went up a notch as the game drew to a close, but the Bombers were unable to chase down their traditional rival as Carlton held on for a nine-point win.

A key focus of Essendon’s off-season has been the introduction of a number of new tactics, particularly in team defence, and Ridley said the game was a good opportunity to test them out against an opponent for the first time.

“It was really good to get the first hitout in,” Ridley said after the loss.

“Obviously (it is) not the result we wanted, but it’s still early days, so we’re just trying to implement our new systems and we’ll keep working at that.”

While the Bombers took some time to jell together on Thursday, Ridley says the powerful finish was an exciting sign of things to come.

“I think we can take a lot of positives from that last quarter, the way we really rallied and came back.

“I think it’s just boys learning the new systems. We were trying to implement a few things and we’ll just keep working with that.

“There’s really strong belief in the group that those will pull through for us.”

The game was played in stifling conditions with temperatures sitting in the mid-30s throughout the contest, and Ridley said the side’s ability to run out the game impressively is a just reward for the hard yards put in over the pre-season.

“(Our hard work) certainly shows, I think we’re a really fit side,” he said.

“There’s been a power of work done throughout the pre-season, so we’re really confident with the work we’ve put in and I’m sure it’s going to show soon.”

Ridley was among the side’s best performers against the Blues, gathering 23 disposals, six rebound 50s and five marks in a classy display of his undeniable talent.

The clash was his first senior hitout since round 11 last year, and the 20-year-old said his three AFL games in 2018 have left him hungry for more.

“Obviously the goal is to play as much senior footy as you can.

“Last year getting a taste for it, it really motivates you over the summer and gives you something to work towards.

“I’m just going to keep trying to work towards playing as many games as I can this year.

Injury restricted Ridley in his first two pre-seasons at The Hangar, but a clear run this time around has given the impressive youngster every chance at securing a position in the best 22.

“(My body) feeling a lot better, I was able to do pretty much all of the pre-season this year, which was really good – I haven’t had that in my first two years.

“I’m going to try to keep on top of my body and stay as healthy as possible.”

Essendon will head to Geelong next Thursday to face the Cats for its final pre-season match and Ridley said the message for the players is simple.

“Just keep trying to play the way we want to play this year, keep trying to implement those systems and I’m sure we’ll get the fruits soon enough.”

The first bounce is set for 7:10pm at GMHBA Stadium.

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