Despite a 42-point loss to an unbeaten Port Melbourne on Sunday, Bendigo Bombers coach Shannon Grant said there were many ""encouraging signs"" to come out of the game, including the return of Darcy Daniher from injury.
Bendigo led the league-leaders at half-time by seven points, but were overrun in the second half in a similar fashion to the previous week against Casey Scorpions, when the Bombers lost by 27 points.
Grant, however, said he was pleased with the effort of his team, who have blooded four debutants in the past two weeks.
""We played some really good footy. They're a big, strong, experienced side and they eventually wore us down when they turned up their pressure on us in that second half. I thought we tried our best and kept hanging in there,"" Grant told essendonfc.com.au.
Brent Prismall continued his excellent VFL form, and Grant said the 24-year-old had developed as a midfielder in the past three months.
?""I think he's really got a nice balance now being able to play inside and being able to get the footy outside the contest as well now. He's a more rounded player,"" Grant said.
""He's come back and done what he's had to do through the VFL and worked on a few areas that the coaches have wanted. He's really taken that on board and as a result of his hard work he's improved.""
Travis Colyer's ability to use his speed and dare to take on the opposition impressed Grant, as did 18-year-old defender Luke Davis, who played all game on Borough forward Patrick Rose.
Rose finished with six goals, but Grant said it was a good ""learning experience"" for Davis.
?""I thought he did quite well and he played a really good game. The times when he was in the contest he was able to more than hold his own,"" Grant said.
?Daniher hasn't played an AFL game since round four, 2009, due to persistent groin, hip and quad injuries, but played the first half against Port Melbourne.
""Darcy got through. He played about 50 minutes, we took him off at half-time, and it was really encouraging for Darcy. He's pulled up well, he was rapt to be out there playing footy again, and we'll gradually increase his load over the next couple of weeks,"" Grant said.
?Tayte Pears could also return to the VFL this week in a major step in his recovery from a navicular injury in his foot.
?""He's certainly a chance,"" Grant said.
""We've obviously got a few sessions to get through, before Saturday's game. I'm sure if he gets through the week and he's ready to go, he'll be another one who will probably play a half and look at extending his game time over the next month.""
Bendigo led the league-leaders at half-time by seven points, but were overrun in the second half in a similar fashion to the previous week against Casey Scorpions, when the Bombers lost by 27 points.
Grant, however, said he was pleased with the effort of his team, who have blooded four debutants in the past two weeks.
""We played some really good footy. They're a big, strong, experienced side and they eventually wore us down when they turned up their pressure on us in that second half. I thought we tried our best and kept hanging in there,"" Grant told essendonfc.com.au.
Brent Prismall continued his excellent VFL form, and Grant said the 24-year-old had developed as a midfielder in the past three months.
?""I think he's really got a nice balance now being able to play inside and being able to get the footy outside the contest as well now. He's a more rounded player,"" Grant said.
""He's come back and done what he's had to do through the VFL and worked on a few areas that the coaches have wanted. He's really taken that on board and as a result of his hard work he's improved.""
Travis Colyer's ability to use his speed and dare to take on the opposition impressed Grant, as did 18-year-old defender Luke Davis, who played all game on Borough forward Patrick Rose.
Rose finished with six goals, but Grant said it was a good ""learning experience"" for Davis.
?""I thought he did quite well and he played a really good game. The times when he was in the contest he was able to more than hold his own,"" Grant said.
?Daniher hasn't played an AFL game since round four, 2009, due to persistent groin, hip and quad injuries, but played the first half against Port Melbourne.
""Darcy got through. He played about 50 minutes, we took him off at half-time, and it was really encouraging for Darcy. He's pulled up well, he was rapt to be out there playing footy again, and we'll gradually increase his load over the next couple of weeks,"" Grant said.
?Tayte Pears could also return to the VFL this week in a major step in his recovery from a navicular injury in his foot.
?""He's certainly a chance,"" Grant said.
""We've obviously got a few sessions to get through, before Saturday's game. I'm sure if he gets through the week and he's ready to go, he'll be another one who will probably play a half and look at extending his game time over the next month.""
