Providing a consistent effort across four quarters is one of the lessons the Bombers will take from their loss to North Melbourne.

The intensity and pressure that was a feature of the side’s win against Melbourne was again on show in the first half against the Kangaroos. 

The Bombers took ten marks inside the forward 50 in the opening half and controlled large parts of the game.

“We just gave consistent effort across that first half,” defender Marty Gleeson said.

“Everyone was on the same page and we were able to move the ball pretty well which resulted in goals.”

But sustaining that effort against a battle hardened Kangaroos midfield was difficult as a five goal to one third quarter undid much of the Bombers hard work.

“We’ve just got to be consistent, we’ve got to keep driving each other out there,” Gleeson said.

“When we notice teammates not doing that we’ve got to keep helping and talking to them.”

Cale Hooker provided a strong target for the Bombers, pulling in 13 marks.

“He just draws the ball.  He’s such a big guy and we know he’s such a good mark,” Gleeson said.

“Whenever you kick it to him you know he’s either going to mark it or kick it to ground.”

Gleeson is one of a number of young Bombers gaining valuable experience at AFL level.

The 20 year old has played 24 AFL games including every match so far this year.

“The body is going pretty well,” he said.

“We had the break a few weeks ago and I feel fresh and I’ve got some good legs to run out game so hopefully it continues.”