The Bombers trailed at every change and finished the season in seventh position, and Bendigo coach Shannon Grant said it was important to enter this week's final with a better approach.
""Our attitude and our mindset going into the game wasn’t what it has been and as a result we really got opened up and let ourselves down,"" Grant said.
""It was disappointing, but the good thing about it is that we get an opportunity to do something about it this weekend.
""There's a number of teams who have finished their year and we've still got an opportunity to have a big say in what happens over the next month, so the group is certainly looking forward to it.""
""Ricky was great,"" Grant said.
""You always know what you're going to get from Ricky and he's got a terrific attitude when he comes back to the VFL. Along with Sam and Tom, they were great leaders for the young group we had on the weekend.""
Lonergan made his return from a medial ligament strain suffered in Essendon's round 14 loss to Hawthorn, and played 60 minutes of game time in the loss.
""Sam got through really well and it was great for him to get a game under his belt and actually get his hands dirty and his hands on the ball,"" Grant said.
""To just get out there and play again was terrific for Sam and we'll be looking to extend his game time on the weekend.""
Bombers defender Henry Slattery also staked his claim for a senior return with a strong game through defence and in the midfield, including moving forward to kick two goals.
""Henry's another one who has been pretty solid for us in the last few weeks so he's certainly going to be a very important part of the team this week,"" Grant said.
The Bombers will play the Bullants on Sunday at TEAC Oval in Port Melbourne at 2.10pm.
