Essendon defender Patrick Ambrose says a lack of intent was behind the Bombers’ disappointing 59-point loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday.

The side was made to pay for missed opportunities and a lack of pressure as the Power raced away to the comfortable victory and Ambrose said

“There are a few areas where we can get better, just with that intent and coming in with that mindset to compete for four quarters – I don’t think that was there today,” Ambrose said after the game.

“We struggled around stoppages and in all areas of the game they beat us.

“We’ve just got to come ready to play for four quarters and embrace the contest a bit more, not try to slide forward.

“We’ll reset. We don’t want to dwell on it too much, but just look at the game over the next few days and get ready for next week.”

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While Ambrose didn’t blame the result on personnel losses, he had no doubt the loss of key ruck/forward Shaun McKernan (illness) pre-game and tough onballer Darcy Parish (concussion) in the first quarter had a detrimental effect.

“I think it had a pretty big impact, but we pride ourselves on if one (player) goes out another can come in and fill his role. It’s not an excuse, but it’s definitely good to have ‘Darce’ out there.

“Shaun’s also been in good form and a few times we kicked forward and they took the intercept marks, that doesn’t happen when Shaun’s there.”

Ambrose was among Essendon’s best again on Saturday, continuing his sensational form in shutting down powerful Port forward Charlie Dixon.

The 27-year-old kept Dixon goalless from just five disposals and said his confidence is back up again following a quad strain that kept him out of the side from round 15 to 17.

“Defensively (my game) was alright, I think I still could have joined in more in attack. It was a good battle with Charlie, he’s a big man and I just did all I could.

“It’s three games back now from the little quad I had, so it was good today to start to feel like I got some touch back.

“Hopefully I can finish the year strongly and play some finals footy.”

Ambrose was full of praise for recent recruit Will Snelling who was mightily impressive in his third game in the red and black.

The former Power midfielder took it up to his old side with 21 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five tackles, two goals and a goal assist. 

“He fights for everything he earns,” Ambrose said.

“He’s done it the hard way in the last few years and it showed today; he fought for four quarters and I think he was our best player, so it was awesome.”

Essendon will look to bounce back when it faces the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium next Saturday and Ambrose said he was looking forward to the chance to respond.

“(We will) just have a big week on the track and come back next week ready to go.”