Midfielder Will Setterfield believes the Bombers will embrace the hurt and bounce back from their heartbreaking Anzac Day loss to Collingwood.

After holding a 28-point three quarter time lead, a rampant Pies outfit rose to another level in the final stanza to boot seven unanswered goals and run out 13-point winners.

While it was an enthralling contest where a young Essendon side held their own against one of the competition’s best for three quarters, Setterfield admits the side is disappointed to let a golden opportunity slip.

“We’re just disappointed,” Setterfield said post-match.

“We gave ourselves every chance to win the game and had a great three quarters but couldn’t get anything going our way in the final quarter.

“We probably got outhunted in the midfield to be honest. We’ve got to own that and get to work during the week before Geelong. I think we got smashed with inside 50s 20 to four. We couldn’t get the ball going our way and they had all the momentum.”

The Pies were strong around the ground in contests, winning contested possessions by 21 to showcase their strong attack and one-on-one ability.

While Essendon were slight stronger at stoppage clearances with a 26-25 ledger, the Pies’ spread from set pieces proved to be a decisive factor.

Having witnessed clinical extractions and ball movement around the ground, Setterfield believes the youthful Bombers can learn from Collingwood’s chemistry and apply improvements against another tough opponent in Geelong this week.

“They (Collingwood) just seemed so connected, had a really strong plan and were all on the same page,” Setterfield said.

“It’s definitely something we can learn from their experienced midfielders, but I think we’re more than capable with the guys we have in there. It’s great we don’t have to wait long for an opportunity with Geelong this Sunday.”