ESSENDON'S ability to stick with a dominant Port Adelaide after being blown away in the first quarter at Adelaide Oval was a significant positive, midfielder Zach Merrett says.

The Bombers were unable to repeat the heroics of the previous weekend when they upset Melbourne, falling six goals behind the Power in the opening term and never recovering.

But the club avoided a blowout and Merrett said coach John Worsfold praised the group for sticking to the task.

"I thought we were actually pretty good after quarter-time,'' said Merrett, who was among the Bombers' best with 28 disposals.

"They sort of got that six or seven-goal head start in the first quarter and I think there was only a three or four-goal difference after that.

"Although you don't want to give up that start, I thought we were pretty good after quarter-time." 

Full match coverage: Port Adelaide v Essendon

Merrett is relishing the extra midfield opportunity being thrown his way in the absence of banned stars Jobe Watson and Dyson Heppell.

His solid contribution against the Power followed an excellent match against the Demons. 

"It seems pretty basic but (my goal) is just to learn and improve as much as possible," he said.

"I've obviously been pretty fortunate to have Jobe Watson and Dyson Heppell at the start of my career, and to have James Kelly, Matty Stokes and Ryan Crowley at the club, it's great for me...

"Individually I'm just trying to work as hard as I can while the other guys are gone and it obviously provides a lot of opportunity for me."