Essendon coach John Worsfold says Brendon Goddard's uncompromising approach to football, rather than his departure from the Bombers, inspired his teammates to finish the season on a high.

Despite falling out of finals calculations last week, it was Essendon rather than Port Adelaide that looked like its season was alive during the 22-point result at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

Worsfold said Goddard would have been disappointed if the team had lifted for his farewell game.

"One thing that Brendon would always say is 'You should be able to play at your best every week, not looking for extra motivation' and I think that's one of the things he taught them," Worsfold said.

"Your preparation and your drive and your motivation should be at the elite level week-in, week-out in this competition.

"So he definitely wouldn't have wanted to think they were going to try harder or be more motivated because it was his last game."

But Worsfold admitted the result was a fitting tribute.

"We're just all blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from him and watch him up close and be a small part of his career," he said.

"Obviously it's nice he goes out with a win and he had the special people in his life here for the game, which rounds it out pretty nicely.

"And now he can reflect and see what happens going forward."

With the season over, Essendon's focus turns to list management.

Out-of-contract Jayden Laverde, who kicked three goals and collected 17 disposals against the Power, pleaded his case for a new contract.

His last AFL game was in Round 11, but Worsfold said he was "absolutely" in his planning for 2019.

"Jayden was pretty excited in that first quarter and by playing his role he capitalised on some good opportunities early and continued to present really well throughout the game," Worsfold said.

"Really pleased for Jayden, he's worked hard and waited for this opportunity and he really played his role at the level we expect he can.

"I don’t know what he’s thinking (about next year). Obviously that's ongoing. His manager and our list manager are in constant communication and really comfortable where things are at with that."

Meantime Mark Baguley's future with Essendon is yet to be decided.

Worsfold said it will be a "wait and see" approach for the 31-year-old.

"He's been enormous for us this year and the role he's played in the forward half, so if you said 'Would I like him on the list next year?' I'd say 'absolutely'.

"It's list management issues, it's spots on lists, it's players in and out, there's a lot of things that have to take place."

Worsfold was full of praise for his younger players, believing the development of Merrett, Parish, Guelfi, McGrath, and Langford will ensure a natural improvement in the midfield.

But while he's satisfied with the engine room, he wouldn't say what the club's recruiting focus will be for 2019.

"You just never know what's out there and what's going to crop up, so we'll go over the next period with a very open mind to improving our list in any way we can."