Young Bomber Jayden Laverde says his performance in Essendon’s 22-point victory over Port Adelaide on Friday was his best in the red and black.

Laverde flew out of the gates with a three-goal first term, notching up the career-best tally just 22 minutes into the game.

He finished with 3.3 from 17 disposals, demonstrating his goal nous and reminding fans of the out-of-contract Don’s exciting future.

It was just Laverde’s seventh senior game of the season and first since round 11, and he gave credit to his teammates for allowing the forward group to capitalise on their opportunities against the Power.

“It was good to finally get back in the side and it was good to get out there again,” Laverde said post-match.

“The boys were great, we were under the pump that last quarter and we did as well as we could.

“We kept the ball in the stoppages and held them up really nicely, so credit to the boys for the hard work they put in.

“The boys were fantastic, we locked that ball in the forward half immensely and the backs set up really well so it just gave the forwards a lot of opportunities and set us up for the whole game.”

The 22-year-old admitted it was nice to get some reward for his hard work in breaking back into the senior side.

“It’s been a good couple of weeks in the VFL and it’s good to finally get back in,” he said.

“It’s great to be with the boys and (to) finish off the season really positively.”

Laverde paid tribute to outgoing teammate Brendon Goddard, saying he was pleased the side could give the veteran the farewell he deserves.

“He’s a super teammate the way he’s driven this group, changed this group and really moulded the way we are today.

“What more of a send-off can we give him? We’re all very thankful for him being at the club and we wish him all the best.”

While many Bombers are now set for the off-season break, Laverde remains in the fight as the VFL side enters its fourth consecutive finals campaign following a victory over the Northern Blues on Saturday.