After another strong effort on Friday night stand in captain Dyson Heppell believes the future is bright for Essendon.

Speaking after the round 16 loss to North Melbourne, Heppell shared that the whole team had been reinvigorated by the enthusiasm and effort being brought to the club by the young players.

Essendon's Friday night team had 12 players who had played under 50 games in what was an even younger side compared to the one that took on Melbourne.

A strong second half performance saw the young Bombers outfit take a narrow lead into the main break. However, they were unable to hold onto the advantage as a more experienced Kangaroo side ran away with a 25-point win.

“We had a pretty young side in and they certainly gave a fantastic effort,” Heppell said.

“In the end a couple of periods in that second half cost us.”

Heppell, only 23 himself, told SEN although it was disappointing not being able to hold onto the half-time lead, Bomber fans can be reassured that there are better times just around the corner.

After an up and down last few weeks the boys are still well motivated according to Heppell, who believes the team will only grow from more time together.

“Last week was a fantastic response from the group coming off that St. Kilda game,” Heppell said.

“I think the boys were able to carry that into this week as well as just the actual effort and enthusiasm that the young boys [have] brought to the group has been a real positive.”