Essendon defender Nathan Grima says the side’s willingness to play more instinctively after half time allowed them to get back into the game.

The Bombers failed to kick a goal in the first half but were much improved after the break.

Grima and his defensive teammates helped generate rebound that translated into Bomber goals with James Kelly (26 disposals), Mark Baguley (24), Matt Dea (19) and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (17) all having a hand in some exciting passages of play.

“Any team that gets down seven or eight goals you can sort of play a bit more on instinct,” Grima said.

“Obviously Walla’s drive off half-back was important and ‘Kel’ and Matty Dea.

“I think we just gave our forwards a bit better opportunity after half time.  It was pretty tough work for them in the first half, we didn’t give them a lot of clean ball.

“I was saying to a few of the boys afterwards that I’ve probably never been part of a team that has been able to move the ball so quick and clean from one end to the other.

“Hopefully we can translate that into a better first half next week and take some positives out of the game.”

Grima admits to some nerves going up against his old side for the first time, but became more comfortable as the game wore on.

“I was obviously a little bit nervous, there were a lot of familiar faces… everywhere I looked I saw someone I knew,” he said.

“Once the game got started it was just about playing another game.”

The support of the fans was one of the features throughout the game and Grima said the players could feel the encouragement on the field.

“At North we had great supporters as well but to see Essendon guys (supporters) first hand today – that was amazing,” he said.

“I think every time Walla got the ball you could feel them lift.

“I just wish for their sake that we could have won the game or at least in the next few weeks pinch a game or two because to keep coming out with the team we’ve got – us top up guys being there – you feel so included.

“It was a disapointing first half so you’ve got to keep that in check but hopefully the guys are proud of the boys efforts after half time.”

Grima said John Worsfold’s post game address was measured with the side aware they have plenty of room for improvement.

“Let’s not get too carried away, it’s a four quarter game footy and we hadn’t kicked a goal at half-time.

“But obviously he asked us to respond after half-time and we changed a few things around and we wanted 22 guys to play their role and I think we were able to do that after half-time.

“We’ll train hard this week and look at the negatives and some positives and try and keep improving each week.”