Essendon will be looking for a more consistent effort when they take on the Cats this Sunday at Etihad Stadium. 

The Bombers started the round 19 clash against Adelaide well, matching it with the experienced opposition for the first term.

However, the class of the Crows shone through in the second and third quarters, where they outscored the Bombers 13.8 to 3.3.

Speaking following the game, speedy forward Orazio Fantasia revealed that this was majorly disappointing for the team as they believed that they were capable of a much better effort.

“I think we showed it in the first quarter that we could really match it with them, we played a really well in the first quarter,” said Fantasia

“Our second and third quarters weren’t up to scratch and the effort wasn’t there.

“We spoke about it at three quarter time and said we’ve done it for a quarter let’s do it again, we want to win this last quarter.”

It was a much stronger finish by the Bombers as they managed to claw the margin back from 100 points to lose by 82 points. 

The young Essendon forward line looked dangerous at times, but failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities. 

However, Fantasia remained positive that the young forwards were building something and, given more time, will be able to play more consistently together.

The forward line has shown dangerous signs over the last month, reaching four of the team's highest scores of 2016. 

It has also revealed a number of options for the team, with Fantasia, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Hams, Laverde and Langford all demonstrating their ability to play up forward. 

Joe Daniher once again led from the front on Sunday, working tirelessly up and down the ground to create space in the forward 50, allowing for his teammates to get behind the play.

Fantasia praised the efforts of his teammate, who finished with his second consecutive four goal haul, 11 marks and 21 disposals. 

“(Joe’s) obviously a star on the field, but off the field as well with his leadership with us young guys,” said Fantasia 

“Obviously, we haven’t played a lot of footy together, but he’s really taken charge in that role and been a great off field leader as well.”

As has been the case for nearly all of this year, there were many lessons for Essendon’s young players to take out of the game against a quality opposition.

Most pertinent, according to Fantasia, was the need to find greater consistency, show a four-quarter effort and continue to work hard on the track.

“It just shows we can match it with a top four side with our effort. When we want to do it, we’re really good. 

“We’re just fluctuating a little bit too much. 

“I think it shows that we can match it and that there are a lot of things to look forward to. 

“Let’s just keep on working hard during the week and hopefully keep performing well on the weekend.”