Essendon coach Mark Thompson said he wasn't concerned about the result of Tuesday's NAB Challenge clash with Port Adelaide.

Thompson was concerned however with the team’s performance on the field during the match and has tipped improvement against Richmond next Friday.

"It wasn't our best night … we were very reactive, very slow to make decisions," Thompson said.

"But I think in 10 days' time you'll see a sharper performance and then we'll really sharpen up for the start of the season."

New recruit Paul Chapman played his first game with the Bombers and impressed with a team-high 24 possessions, earning praise from Thompson, who coached him to three premierships with Geelong.

"That's the sort of guy he is, when it gets desperate he gets down and dirty," Thompson said.

"It was good that he got a few kicks. I was worried about him early."

Thompson said Michael Hibberd, who was substituted before half-time, had a minor hamstring strain and would be fit ahead of round one "pretty easily".

He also expected Jake Carlisle to line up in the Bombers next practice match against Richmond on March 7 at Punt Road Oval.

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