Despite going down to GWS on Sunday, Essendon led most statistical categories.

The Bombers had more disposals, contested and uncontested possessions, marks, clearances and inside 50’s.

But it was turning those opportunities into goals that proved a stumbling block.

“The midfield and also the defence was pretty good and then it’s just those entries, whether it was decision making, whether it was missed opportunities,” Essendon great Matthew Lloyd said.

The Bombers went inside 50 13 more times than Giants, but kicked six fewer goals.

“It just probably sums up the season in a way, just not being able to put any scoreboard pressure on which builds the confidence throughout a day,” Lloyd said.

“I thought the effort, yet again, was there, it was just probably that period after half-time where the Giants probably played a 15 minute burst and then the game had totally changed.”

Jonathan Giles was a strong contributor for the Bombers in the middle of the ground.

He finished with 22 hit outs and 11 clearances.

“I thought Giles intent at centre bounces was really strong,” Lloyd said.

“He really made his mark and I think made a real difference to the midfield with his big body, the tap outs, clearances.

“He hacked some forward but that's all you ask for as a key forward, just to get it in there.”

Waiting in the forward line was the combination of Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker.

The new forward pairing kicked four goals between them and took 12 marks.

Hooker is renowned for his aerial prowess but Daniher’s contested marking is fast becoming a feature as well.

“Even on the training track I’ve seen him clunking them a lot more,” Lloyd said.

“Obviously he’s still working out when players take his body off the line and he can get pushed under the ball a little bit.

“But he’s developing really, really well. 

“After Hooker he’s probably the best contested mark in the side, it’s pretty exciting what he’s done this season.”