Essendon Coach John Worsfold says he’s happy with the side’s build-up to the start of the home and away season despite not registering a win in the JLT Community Series.

The Bombers lost narrowly to Collingwood and Gold Coast before rounding out the pre-season games with a 22-point loss to Geelong.

“Overall we’re pretty happy – we’re disappointed that we had that very poor third quarter where Geelong dominated,” Worsfold said.

“We’ve had that a little bit over the pre-season, but a lot of the stuff we saw and the way the boys fought on when we were undermanned in the ruck and still held up ok in the midfield.

“The boys are really positive, they think they’ve had a really good preparation.

“The work rate today and the numbers they hit in terms of the time on the ground and the running capabilities they showed today were outstanding.”

The Bombers jumped to a 40-point advantage in the first half against the Cats, before the margin was reeled in after the break.

“The first quarter was probably more even than what the scoreboard showed,” Worsfold said.

“What we’re seeing is when we do get the ball forward, we are a pretty potent forward line and that dried up in the second half.

“Our midfield is still coming together, that is a work in progress.

“It’s a shame they didn’t have [Matthew] Leuenberger for the whole game because they're just getting to know how he rucks but they had a good look at [Shaun] McKernan and [now] they’ve got a fair idea of what he does.”

The Bombers averaged 90 points per game across the three JLT Community Series matches.

“Over the three games we’ve had Fantasia kick four in the first one, Begley kicked four in the second one and McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked four today,” Worsfold said.

“We’re really happy with the way those guys are working.

“It was Joe Daniher’s first full hit-out, he’s starting to find his touch and I thought [James] Stewart competed really well.

“We’re happy with the way the forwards are coming along and to kick 100 points against a pretty good side is pleasing for us.”

Daniher gathered 16 possessions and took five marks against the Cats.

He also kicked two goals including a right foot snap from a set-shot.

“If that’s his best chance of kicking the goal then why wouldn’t he do it,” Worsfold said.

“If it’s 80-90% accuracy why wouldn’t you go for it – just because it’s a bit different to what history says.”