Essendon coach James Hird was satisfied with his team despite its heavy defeat, matching it with the Saints for three quarters before falling away in the final term.

"I think the Essendon-listed guys did really well, and the guys who came in from outside the club were fantastic and [there were] some superb efforts," Hird said post-match.

"Obviously we were undermanned but I was very impressed with the way they came together as a team, bonded and played the game out. You can't be disappointed with their effort."

Hird acknowledged the strange situation of fielding a team brought together in recent weeks – "It's hard to know what you want out of it," he said – but added he was encouraged by the performances of senior-listed players Jason Ashby, Jackson Merrett and Jonathan Giles.

Of the top-up recruits Mitch Brown, who spent six seasons on Geelong's list for 15 games, was excellent and gathered 22 disposals and 10 marks. He won the coach's praise.

"It's pretty obvious to me that Mitch is an AFL player. I thought today he was terrific," Hird said.

"He showed to me today that we'd loved him at our club and the way he plays but that's obviously a long way away."

The six players Essendon wanted to take part in its training session involving Williamstown on Friday – Brendon Goddard, Zach Merrett, Joe Daniher, Patrick Ambrose, Adam Cooney and James Gwilt – are in consideration for next week's meeting with Greater Western Sydney but Hird would not confirm their inclusions.

"It's too early to say," Hird said.