James Hird wants his Bombers to be bolder with the ball after Essendon lost its first game of the season to a rampaging Geelong.

Essendon held a 21-point lead midway through the second quarter of Friday night’s sold-out clash at Etihad Stadium before the Cats piled on five goals straight to grab a lead they would not relinquish.

Having lauded the Cats as the best team in the competition this week, Hird was pleased with his side's ability to keep challenging the league's benchmark.

"From our point of view we need to use the ball better, we need to take the game on a bit more when we've got the ball in our hands," Hird said after the loss.

"But I learnt that our guys never give up and they keep throwing themselves at the contest in a fantastic manner. That was good from our point of view."

The Bombers' 28-point defeat wasn't reflected in the numbers, an encouraging sign for Hird and his team.

Essendon won a number of the key areas: more disposals, more contested possessions, a whopping 19 more clearances, more inside-50s, and more scoring shots.

The Bombers paid dearly for their inaccuracy in front of goal, Essendon booting 19 behinds (including nine in the third quarter) and repeatedly squandering opportunities.  

Hird felt Essendon’s game plan mainly stood up to Geelong, but it can still be improved.

"I still think we need to be braver," he said.

"But certainly there was no immediate flaws that come to mind that we have to change our game style or have wholesale change with our players.

"It was more [that] we didn't take advantage of our opportunities, and we played a very good team."

The Bombers lost some of their run and flair before the game had even started, with half-back Courtenay Dempsey (ankle) and midfielder Brent Stanton (groin) ruled out with injury.

Hird expects the pair to play next Saturday against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, along with ruckman Paddy Ryder.

Essendon overlooked Ryder to return against the Cats after his three-week suspension in favour of forward Scott Gumbleton.

Hird maintained it was a "good call" to stick with Gumbleton, who kicked two goals, but hinted Ryder could return against the Lions.  

"Paddy will train hard this week and we'll hopefully be able to find a position for him," Hird said.

"Paddy's a quality player. We're just going to reward the players who are playing really well and training well. There's certainly a very good chance Paddy will play next week."

Small forward Alwyn Davey was substituted out of the game in the third quarter with left hamstring tightness and will have the injury assessed.