Essendon's narrow 14-point defeat to GWS held some frustrating moments down the stretch, but Bomber fans will be buoyed by some terrific performances and an encouraging return to form for one of its former top 10 picks coming away from the game.

From a team perspective, the Bombers also produced a far better showing compared to their difficult fortnight against the Lions and Pies, winning a number of key metrics around the ground and looking more polished going forward despite their late fadeout.

The key stats from round nine, thanks to Airwallex.

Bombers' take step forward with contest work 

06:38

Rd 9 | All the goals

Watch all of Essendon's goals in round 9 against the Giants.

Since being beaten convincingly around the ball on Anzac Day, the Dons have made massive improvements at stoppage, particularly complemented by the return of Nick Bryan to assist in the ruck.

The Bombers beat out the GIANTS in hitouts (41 to 38), contested possession (139 to 135) and laid more tackles to give a much better effort inside.

Recording 61 inside 50s to GWS' 46, it was ultimately the finishing touches that prevented more scoreboard damage when the Bombers were on top early, going at only 38 per cent efficiency in the forward half to the home side's 52 per cent.

Perkins' return pays dividends

00:47

Rd 9 | Perkins finds range to land Giant blow

Archie Perkins kicks a crucial goal midway through the third term to gift Essendon the largest lead of the match

After a month in the VFL as an inside midfielder, Archie Perkins' return to the seniors saw him in a more damaging role forward of centre.

With 15 of his 19 possessions uncontested, the 24-year-old was able to find space and impact on transition, taking 10 marks and sending it inside 50 five times.

His running goal in the third term was one of five score involvements for the game, a welcome return to the top level for the former first-round pick.  

Wright keeps on keeping on

You'd be hard pressed to find a better performing Bomber in the last month than Peter Wright.

Stepping into a dual ruck-forward role seemingly with ease, Wright led the game in score involvements (10), was the side's prominent ruck hand with 21 hitouts and slammed through three goals.

Off the back of his career-high in disposals (26) against Brisbane the week prior, Wright is doing a bit of everything at the moment.