Essendon won many of the key stats but couldn't capitalise where it matters most in its 16-point defeat to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Here are the key team and individual stats from the match.

1. Martin’s marking magic

Torrential rain and slippery conditions couldn’t quell the brilliance of rookie sensation Nick Martin.

Despite having played just 10 games, Martin was a vital cog in the Bombers’ second-half fightback, taking 12 marks in wet conditions.

Martin’s marking showed the silk the first-year gun possesses, and he continues to be a shining light in the Bombers’ sluggish season.

2. Dons win tackle count in wet conditions

Essendon took a step forward in its quest to be a blue-collar team with another improved physical effort against Port Adelaide.

The Dons won the tackle count 54-52, which is no mean feat considering Port Adelaide’s ranking of third for average tackles per game in 2022 (58).

3. Inaccuracy hurts Bombers

Despite having one less scoring shot to the Power and playing in trying conditions, the Dons will be ruing their 6.14 scoreline.

After kicking 0.6 in the first term, the Dons would go on to kick 6.8 for the rest of game.

The Power’s ability to convert more chances despite having less inside 50s (42-50) proved costly for the Bombers.

4. Caldwell a tackling machine

Jye Caldwell came out with a big-inside-midfielder mentality with his physicality on Sunday.

Despite it being his first game back from an AC joint injury, Caldwell could be forgiven for maybe easing into the physicality of the game.

Instead, the 21-year-old laid a game-high 10 tackles and was a beast in the Dons’ engine room all match.

5. Darcy’s day out

Another day, another Darcy Parish domination.

Parish recorded 39 disposals - he is now averaging a competition-high 35 disposals a game - and has clearly become the focal point in Essendon’s midfield.

His performance saw him earn a perfect 10 in the coaches' votes.

6. Centre clearance dominance

Essendon again opted for two rucks on Sunday, with veteran Andrew Phillips replacing youngster Nick Bryan as support for Sam Draper.

The move paid dividends for the Bombers, who won the centre clearances 14-4 and also got on top in clearances overall (36-34) and hitouts (38-30).