ESSENDON coach John Worsfold says his young midfield received a valuable lesson from the likes of Robbie Gray during the Bombers’ 61 point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

Port came with a point to prove after its belting the previous week against Adelaide, and the early heat in the contest was noticeable.

Young Essendon players like Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett and Orazio Fantasia were given important midfield roles at various times on Power stars Gray, Travis Boak and Ollie Wines.

While Worsfold acknowledged his kids were still well short of being able to mix it with the best in the league over four-quarters, he believed their development would be advanced, given the responsibility being thrust upon them in the absence of stars like Jobe Watson and Dyson Heppell.

“I’ve already spoken to Darcy (Parish) and you can imagine him saying, ‘to man-up on Robbie Gray was unbelievable’,’’ Worsfold said.

“Don’t worry, we were pretty pleased with Darcy’s game again tonight.

“A lot of players are in that (boat). 

“Marty Gleeson got isolated with Gray deep in the forward line a couple of times. What a great learning opportunity for him that he may not have got otherwise.’’

The Bombers trailed Port Adelaide by six goals at quarter-time and struggled under the Power’s early heat.

Worsfold said the cleanness of Wines and Gray, and Port’s aggression going forward, was the difference in the match early.

“The start was hot and I thought our boys were in-and-under and we went forward, the first five or six inside-50s were our way and we missed a couple of shots at goal,’’ Worsfold said.

“Then Port got through us, kicked a goal and the game turned and was on their terms from there for that quarter. 

“They came to bring a really aggressive, attacking game running really hard forward. The cleanness of Wines and Gray is outstanding.”