After a tough loss on the weekend, midfielder Sam Durham says Essendon can still take confidence from long periods of strong football despite the disappointing finish against the Giants.

Durham was a standout especially in a strong first half for the Bombers, finishing with 27 touches (16 contested) and eight clearances in a tenacious performance against an experienced midfield corps.

His takeaways from round nine:

Durham on the narrow loss...

“It’s a hard one to swallow. I thought we could have got another win on the board,” Durham said.

“I thought we were really good for three quarters and then we sort of let it slip in the last quarter, sort of the last half really.

“We went away from the way we were playing in the first half, which was good footy and winning football.”

Durham on the energy the young group brings...

“The vibes were high,” Durham said.

“There was a real feeling around the group that we could get one on the road and it was unfortunate that we didn’t.

“The feeling coming in was electric, great energy.

“We had a good game plan coming in with the way we wanted to attack them. They’re a very fast team out of the back half, which we needed to stop.

“We had a great plan but probably just didn’t execute to the level.”

Durham on the young midfield mix...

“I think it’s super exciting for the fans to look at those guys,” Durham said.

“They’re so young and already taking on that load as centre bounce players.

“They’re really taking the game on, especially Robes and Sharpy.

“It’s been refreshing for me. They come with a lot of new ideas and a different way of attacking the game.

“For Robes to have a Rising Star nomination this week is pretty special.

“He’s been awesome, brought great energy for us and we’re really excited for what he can do in the future.”

Durham on Bryan's return...

“It’s good to have Bryza back. He’s good with the hands, the big fella,” Durham said.

“He’s added a lot to his game during rehab with his ground-ball pressure and tackling.

“With the new ruck rule, I think he’s going to do well.”

Durham on reaching 100 games...

“It’s gone quick,” Durham said.

“I was happy just to play five or 10 games, then it got to 50 and I was really proud of that.

“But in the AFL environment you can’t get too complacent.

“Looking back on the hundred games was really cool for me and my family. It was a very proud moment.”

Durham on the challenge ahead...

“I think we can take a lot of positives out of the game on the weekend,” Durham said.

“We just can’t give the ball back so easily. Especially for myself, I need to take more pride in hitting targets.

“But going into this game, they’re on top of the ladder. What a great opportunity to try and get a scalp against one of the best teams in the competition.”