Courtenay Dempsey’s move to the forward line nearly paid big dividends in Essendon’s match against Gold Coast.

The Bombers went down by two points, but Dempsey was a constant threat in attack.

Most of Dempsey’s 118 games have been in defence, but he’s shown ability in attack in recent weeks, firstly in the VFL and in the last few weeks in the seniors.

He ended the match against the Suns with 19 disposals, seven marks and two goals.

“It’s a bit of a change, I haven’t played up there since my juniors,” he said.

“It’s a new chapter in football and I’m enjoying it, loving the freedom actually.”

Freedom was a common theme for the Bombers this week with interim coach Matthew Egan encouraging the side to play with excitement.

“After the week we had we wanted to come out and play our game and we did that,” Dempsey said.

“The message from Ego was we went out and actually played and cared for each other and if we bring that into next week, hopefully we’ve got something to build on for next year.

“We had a bit more freedom tonight to play and just go out there and enjoy the game.

“There is something good to build on but it was a hard loss.”