ESSENDON conceded its biggest score this season in its loss to St Kilda on the weekend, and midfielder Brent Stanton has identified defence as the key to getting back on track.
Before the 71-point thumping at the hands of the Saints, the Bombers had allowed only two teams (North Melbourne and Richmond) to score more than 100 points against them this year, and had averaged only 76 points against.
Essendon's Sam Lonergan and St Kilda's Farren Ray contest the ball at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Picture: AFL Photos
The Saints broke through that wall, and Stanton said it needed to be reinforced.??
"We were disappointing through the whole night," he said on Monday.
Click here for full match coverage of Essendon's loss to the Saints
"St Kilda really came and hunted us and it's a credit to them. We have a lot of areas of improvement and [need to] get back to defending the way we have earlier in the year. I think that will be the basis for the rest of our game."??
The Bombers meet Port Adelaide on Saturday at AAMI Stadium, where they have not beaten the Power since 2000.
The club has improved its record interstate under coach James Hird, beating Adelaide at the venue last year and winning three games away from home so far this season.
Stanton said its improved form on the road was a sign of a maturing side. ??
"I think we're adapting and the side's really maturing with how we travel interstate and it's a credit to the players and the coaching staff and fitness staff in the way they prepare us," he said.
"We're going over there and we're feeling pretty good about ourselves. The confidence is maybe a little bit higher because we have won three out of three this year, but we've got to focus on just the individual game and hopefully come away with the win."
With key forwards Michael Hurley (hamstring) and Stewart Crameri (suspension) to miss the Power clash, the Bombers need to fill some gaps in attack. ??
» Hurley strains 'good' hamstring
Scott Gumbleton played in Bendigo Gold's VFL win on Sunday, and Stanton said the 23-year-old could be on the verge of playing his first AFL game since 2010.
"Tom Bellchambers could go forward or maybe Scott Gumbleton depending on how he pulled up after the game [in the VFL]," Stanton said.
"We're pretty fortunate that we have a few tall guys who can come into the side to replace them, but the most important thing is they come in and play their role and play it to the best of their ability."
Callum Twomey covers Essendon news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
