Essendon pegged back Port Adelaide’s 29-point margin to two and half goals in the opening minutes of the final term but were unable to complete the job. Assistant coach Mark Harvey said a costly 50m penalty early in the last quarter that resulted in a goal proved to swing the momentum back in Port’s favour. “They went on to kick the next six goals and I was disappointed we didn’t have the ability to stop that goal run. I think it partly happened because our mid-field tired and we nee to change the players more regularly to ensure we maintain pressure in that area,” Harvey said.

Harvey was pleased with the effort of youngster Marc Bullen and his performance on Nick Stevens. “Bullen was definitely a positive out of the match and his 20 possessions and two goals was an encouraging sign. Cory McGrath’s three goals gave us something although he did go missing a bit in the final quarter. I thought Adam McPhee was once again good in defence and he only had one goal kicked on him,” the former Essendon player said.

Essendon couldn’t match Port Adelaide’s goal scoring power tonight. Warren Tredrea destroyed the Bombers defence and finished the game with seven goals. He had good support from Che Cockatoo-Collins, Byron Pickett and the Burgoyne brothers. Port Adelaide’s midfield also provided headaches for the Bombers. “Quite simply we got convincingly beaten in the ruck which was similar to the match against Richmond. When you have a look at the bench players Port had and look at their input as second string on-ballers unfortunately our bench couldn’t make that contribution,” Harvey said.

Mark Mercuri was concussed after receiving a knock from Peter Burgoyne midway through the final quarter. At this stage he is still under observation from the Essendon medical staff and it is too early to make a decision on his availability for next week.