Essendon young star Darish Parish says it was the Bombers ruthless approach that turned the match around in the second half against North Melbourne.

The side went to half time trailing by 50 points, but it was a different game after the break as the Bombers piled on eight goals to two to fall just 14 points short of victory.

“We weren’t happy with our first half performance, we weren’t being ruthless at the footy offensively and defensively,” Parish said.

“We really wanted to be ruthless competitors in that second half and just play our role as well.

“Each individual knew what was required and we brought it out in the second half.”

Parish collected 24 possessions in his return to the side after a week’s rest.

He was part of a midfield brigade that turned the tide in the second half.

Captain Brendon Goddard (38 possessions), Zach Merrett (36) and Adam Cooney (33) led the charge and Matthew Leuenberger matched it with Todd Goldstein.

“It all started with biy Leuey in the ruck competing all day and then the mids working hard on the inside and on the outside as well,” Parish said.

“All round it was a super effort from the boys in the second half.”

Despite the loss, Essendon fans cheered the team with gusto after the final siren as a show of appreciation for the fight they showed after half time.

Parish said the moment gave him goosebumps.

“The support from the fans was super,” he said.

“We didn’t give up and gave it back to the fans – their support has been super for us the whole time.

“I was getting a few goosebumps at the end there when they starting applauding.

“It was great to be a part of it and the future is really good, so stick behind us.”