Essendon defender Courtenay Dempsey says the players are focusing on backing up their strong performance against St Kilda, with another solid outing against Richmond on Saturday.

The Bombers generated 28 scoring shots to the Saints 24 in the 11-point loss on Sunday.

Midway through the last term the Bombers held a seven-point lead before the Saints rallied.

“We didn’t get away with a win, we wasted our opportunities in front of goals but the fact we went through and played four quarters – that’s the positive,” Dempsey said.

“In saying that, we've got to take it into the next game against Richmond next Saturday.”

Essendon generated 31 shots at goal from 55 inside 50’s and also held the Saints to just 63 marks (compared to 91 from the Bombers) around the ground.

“We emphasised stopping their switches and the forwards did that really well,” Dempsey said.

“That helped us backline players to support our teammates in the air because all they were doing was going long down the line.

“We listened to the instructions given to us by our coaches and played it to a tee.”

Dempsey was one of just eight players that took the field against the Saints with more than 50 games experience.

Now in his 11th season, Dempsey and James Gwilt are the senior figures in an Essendon backline that has featured Matt Dea, Michael Hartley, Martin Gleeson and (until yesterday) Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti throughout the season.

Dempsey said much of his role in the team is about mentoring his younger teammates.

“We definitely have to educate the young players and help them out, especially when things aren’t gong their way,” Dempsey said.

“We’ve got to keep encouraging them and keeping them on their toes so they’re ready for the next game, or the next contest – so they’re not put down by their mistakes because everyone makes mistakes.

“It’s part of the game – they’ve just got to remember to move and that’s our role in the backline as senior players."

Dempsey is averaging 18 possessions per game this season but he said he is getting more enjoyment out of seeing the young players develop, than any personal highlights.

“Educating those players is a good win for me individually because seeing them grow and establish their roles in the backline… it makes me more proud and happier,” he said.