Essendon’s young side brought the effort but was let down by costly errors according to Coach James Hird.

The Bombers led at half time against North Melbourne but fell away after the break to lose by 25 points. 

“There is no doubt our effort was there,” Hird said. 

“We got the effort and intensity for probably three quarters.

“But with a young team you expect some mistakes - particularly in that third quarter it probably cost us three goals from really basic mistakes.

“That was probably where the game was won and lost.”

The Kangaroos kicked five goals to one in that third quarter.

With a host of senior players on the injury list, the Bombers again fielded an inexperienced line up. 

“There is a lot of excitement when you’re coaching a young team,” Hird said.

“You go into the game with a different mindset because you want to see the young kids have a go and tonight we saw that.”