Essendon Captain Dyson Heppell says a lift in the side’s contested work enabled the team to get back into the match with Sydney.

The Swans led by as much as 24 points in the third quarter and held the advantage in the contested possessions and the clearances.

But by the final siren the Bombers had closed the gap in those categories (36-30 in clearances and 147-133 in contested possession), triggering a run of seven straight goals to the visitors.

“Our work around the ball and in the contest lifted up a notch,” Heppell said.

“They got right on top of us in the first half around the ball and we thought our pressure and intensity really came to another level.

“That was a key to getting back in it.”

The Bombers led by 19 points with five minutes remaining before the Swans kicked the final three goals of the match to steal the game after the siren.

“It’s a very flattening result, we thought we had the game late but coughed one up,” Heppell said.

“Sydney are the form side of the competition at the moment and we certainly took it to them.

“We didn’t play our best footy in that first half but the way we responded in the second half and really pegged our way back into the game I thought was outstanding.

“There are still some real positives from it.”

Heppell was impressed by the performances of Conor McKenna (15 possessions, three inside 50s) and Andrew McGrath (13 possessions at 92 per cent efficiency).

“Conor McKenna’s drive off half back was outstanding, you’re seeing the continual development of Andy McGrath and I thought Marty Gleeson is continuing to stand up as well,” Heppell said.

“It’s great to see them developing.”

The Bombers now have an extended break before the match against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium next Sunday.

“There are obviously a few sore bodies but no major issues from the game,” Heppell said.

“We’ll butter up, have a bit of a breather now and then we’ve got Brisbane next week, so chins up and go and attack the Lions.”