Coach Brad Scott longs for the day when there is genuine competition again for spots in Essendon's AFL team.
The undermanned Bombers were brave on Friday night, losing no friends in their 11.11 (77) to 11.9 (75) loss to St Kilda.
But hard-nut defender Jayden Laverde (hip) and impressive new forward Liam McMahon (hand) joined Essendon's debilitating injury list as Rhys Unwin became their 15th debutant this season - already an AFL record.
"I would love to have selection headaches. That would be great," Scott said.
Scott had mixed emotions post-match, saying they had to be careful about being overly happy given they suffered their 11th-straight loss.
"You can't execute any plan unless you have a really high level of effort.and intent," he said.
"So that bit I'm ecstatic with - there's a lot to like.
"We really did steps forward in a lot of areas ... but for our fans, you look at Essendon's last 10, 15 years, the fans are incredible for what they've had to endure.
"The fans watching tonight would have gotten a great glimpse - not only into the future, but into the near-term. But it's hard to be pleased when you're so disappointed."
While Scott suspects Laverde will be fine, he is unsure about McMahon after an opponent stepped on his hand.
Essendon end a tough season in round 24 with a match against arch-rivals Carlton next Thursday night and then the postponed match against Gold Coast the following Wednesday.
"The players are doing an incredible job of trying to keep the train on the tracks," Scott said.
"It sounds a bit morbid, but from my perspective if you can do that when things are really difficult, it's when you can improve the most.
While Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was influential again, Scott praised Andrew McGrath for his job on the Saints' young gun.
"McGrath was exceptional for us," Scott said.
Saints coach Ross Lyon said it was a struggle all game for his team, who have won four-straight.
Crucially, they were able to blunt Essendon's marking game, which caused lots of problems early.
Lyon also explained his pre-game tweet, in which he criticised Marvel Stadium staff for leaving the roof open pre-game and letting the surface become wet.
"We all need to acknowledge the difference at Marvel. You get to the MCG and there's beautiful, soft give in the ground," he said.
"It's concrete out there (at Marvel). It's hard as a rock. The grass is like my scalp, really thin, and it becomes very, very tricky conditions."
Lyon again praised Wanganeen-Milera, who gave nothing away in a rare interview post-game about where he will play next season.
Wanganeen-Milera was hurt in a head clash during the chaotic last few minutes, but was able to play out the game.
HIs decision to stay with the Saints or return to his native SA will be one of the biggest post-season stories.
"We'd like eight of him. Jeez, if that happened, I'd be not a bad coach," Lyon said.
