A trying performance by an undermanned Essendon outfit was not enough to prevent the Western Bulldogs from inflicting a 29-point victory at Etihad Stadium tonight.

Assistant coach Scott Camporeale said the Bombers - who were without 17 players through injury – tried hard but were ultimately unable to match the more experienced Bulldogs.

“Our guys had an average of 50 games experience so it’s always going to be difficult when you match up with sides that are almost double that,” Camporeale said.

“To their credit, I think they worked hard to stay competitive throughout the course of the match and I think we saw some promising signs for the years to come.”

Leroy Jetta, Ben Howlett and David Myers found plenty of touch and worked hard defensively to hold the Bulldogs accountable.

“It was pleasing to see a number of players putting up their hands tonight,” Camporeale said.

“Jetta was busy and worked hard all night to move the ball inside 50.

“I think Howlett continues to go from strength to strength – he works hard and shows improvement each week.

“It was also good to see Myers get a bit of it tonight. He was solid at half back and it is pleasing to see him starting to deliver on his potential.”

Camporeale said the playing group will go away and work on their deficiencies over the off-season to ensure they are more competitive, more consistently next season.

“The playing group know they have a lot of work to do over the off-season and they are committed to doing what it takes to improve the areas of their game that need improvement in order to be more competitive next season,” he said.