When the Bombers were under late pressure in Sunday’s tight loss to the Suns, Dyson Heppell and Nick Hind continually stood up.

After being shuffled into numerous different roles this year, Hind has found his groove with a stellar fortnight, accumulating 25 touches and two goals against the Tigers in Dreamtime at the ‘G and keeping his side in the running with Gold Coast from a damaging 24-disposal effort.

A change in mindset has benefitted the 29-year-old, who’s appreciating his own ability to adapt and take on different roles on gameday.

“I think I’m just trying to play my role for the team,” Hind said.

“I probably got better at letting go of the things I can’t control and seeing my versatility as a strength rather than something that disappoints me.

“I want to win footy games and I love playing with these boys, so anywhere I can play and do well for the team is where I want to be, it’s exciting.”

Essendon’s loss to the Suns marked their first defeat since early April, but it wasn’t from lack of effort and intent, pushing the home side right into the dying minutes on a ground they’re yet to lose at this season.

The competitiveness of the side stood out for Hind, who’s confident the Dons can prepare strongly for their King’s Birthday Eve clash against Carlton on Sunday night.

“We showed good grit to try and stay in it for most of the night, but we’re disappointed we didn’t get the result,” Hind said.

“Pretty slippery and dewy, warmer conditions, it was a bit of a challenge but they’re a pretty good side and this comp’s very even, we get beaten when we’re a little bit off.

“We’ll continue to work away and review the game the way we’ve always reviewed the game, process-driven and getting to work for Carlton this week.

Sentiment is similar for former skipper Heppell, whose form over the first 12 games of 2024 has shown no signs of slowing down.

Heppell repeatedly repelled the Suns from the back half with 27 disposals and five rebound 50’s on Sunday night, providing welcome relief and a cool head on the last line when the Bombers needed it.

The opportunity to respond on a big stage at the ‘G is right at the forefront of the 32-year-old’s mind.

“We need to fire up and bounce back next week,” Heppell said.

“The boys still stood up and we gave maximum effort, we can hold our hat on that. Plenty of work to do, we’ve got a lot of growth in this group left to go I reckon.

“It’s going to be a cracker, the support from the Dons fans has been incredible and I think it’s going to be an enormous crowd next week, so we’ll set our sights on a big occasion.”