Fremantle defender Luke Ryan said his teammates were determined to show their resilience against Essendon on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

While the resolute Bombers all-but secured their finals place with a 15-point win, Ryan was pleased to see Freo threaten to spoil the party in an emotional farewell game for former Essendon captain Jobe Watson.

“We knew it was going to be hard, especially with the Bombers’ situation and after our past fortnight,” Ryan said.

“We took the game on and did exactly what Ross asked from us. 

“We wanted to bounce back and show some resilience, I think we did that today.

“For a young group, it’s looking really exciting for the years to come.”

Ryan said Fremantle were let down by brief periods where Essendon took the upper hand.

The Bombers raced out to a three-goal lead after six minutes by dominating the clearances and earning the first five inside 50s.

After Freo closed within eight points in the third term, Essendon piled on five goals in the space of eight minutes to see their lead out to 41.

But Fremantle didn’t lie down, kicking five straight to make a contest of the final term.

“It was pretty hard for those 10 minutes in the third quarter where Essendon got a run on us,” Ryan said.

“(Senior coach) Ross (Lyon) said we had a couple of lapses where we were let down with our basics.

“He was also really proud of the boys, what we achieved in moments and how we played and took the game on.

“The boys showed resilience, we fought back and I couldn’t be prouder. 

"It shows that we’re building and where we could be.”

Ryan said his fellow defenders were under pressure from a star-studded Essendon forward line that included Joe Daniher, who was still in the mix for the Coleman Medal to start the game.

“It was a team effort really. The mids came back and helped us out as well," Ryan said.

"Their pressure around the ball really helped us defenders out.

“Joel (Hamling) was outstanding all day, he’s played on the best forwards week after week and he’s showing what he can do.

"He’s a terrific player and good to play alongside.”

With 17 disposals, five marks and five tackles, Ryan put up another impressive showing in just his 11th AFL game.

The 21-year-old feels he’s learnt a lot in his first year.

“I’m learning you can’t have any lapses in the game, you’ve got to be switched on every second, improving every week and recovering well,” Ryan said.

“There’s a bit to work on, we’re going to have a massive pre-season and I’m really looking forward to what that holds for us.”