Watching on from the coaches box at the MCG on Sunday, injured star Nic Martin said Essendon’s slow start against Walyalup was a disappointing tone-setter for the 43-point loss.

The Dons looked noticeably stronger after the half-time break but the 25-year-old noted that the damage was already done, as the Dockers dominated early in wet conditions. 

Although frustrated by the early signs on the day, Martin also highlighted the response from the Bombers’ young brigade as a positive point to look forward from.

Finding silver linings in young guns such as Sullivan Robey, Nate Caddy and Jacob Farrow, Martin said the Dons need to be better prepared and equipped when attacking a strong side. 

01:50

Rd 10 | The Last Word

Hear from Nic Martin following Essendon's loss to Fremantle.

Martin on … initial thoughts 

It’s a tale of two halves and especially in the first quarter, we were kind of tracking tail, especially in our contest work, which is disappointing. 

I think the way we recovered and then carried off with the last three quarters was really positive, if we can start the game like that, we're in it from the get-go and putting pressure on them, but we were kind of chasing tail in the first quarter. 

06:19

Rd 10 | All the goals

Watch all of Essendon's goals in round 10 against the Dockers.

Martin on … a disappointing first half 

I think it was all the contest work. Our game actually looked relatively good behind and in front of the ball.

Some efforts in the contest we’ll reflect back on not fondly at all, and we'll get to work on it during the week. 

I'm sure it’ll be a really big focus of ours during the week. 

Martin on … Sullivan Robey 

02:33

Rd 10 | Robey highlights

Take a look at some of Sullivan Robey's best plays from Essendon's round 10 clash against Fremantle.

He (Robey) was terrific, and he led by example. 

He's a young guy, in his sixth or seventh game and he set the tone. 

I thought (Sam Durham) did that as well, as a leader, he also set the tone.

The whole dynamic (of the game) changed when those two start to lead by example, then the guys follow along, and I can't speak highly enough of Sully for what he's doing. 

I think he needs his other teammates to pick up as well.

Martin on ... looking ahead to Dreamtime at the ‘G

We’re really fortunate to be able to play in these big games, and these opportunities to perform in front of big crowds, so having a five-day break, we'll recover well. 

We'll review the game, and I think I know what's coming during the week with what we're going to work on and our contest, so we'll be red hot come Friday night.