ESSENDON coach James Hird has high hopes for the next generation of young Bombers, but remains uncertain about the future of 400-game veteran Dustin Fletcher. 

The Bombers slumped to their seventh defeat in eight games against Port Adelaide on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium. 

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And while regular contributors Brendon Goddard, Brent Stanton and Michael Hurley were at their best, it was the more inexperienced brigade of Bombers who were most impressive in the loss.

In just his 10th match, young midfielder Nick O'Brien had a career-high 32 disposals and seven clearances, in what Hird described as "his best game for the club".

Also impressive alongside O'Brien, were draftees Jayden Laverde (pick No.20) and Kyle Langford (pick No.17) who kicked two goals each.

Langford had 14 disposals while Laverde's pressure was terrific with five tackles, four marks and 10 disposals.

At the same time, Hird cast serious doubt on the possibility of Essendon fans getting a chance to see Fletcher turn out again for the club.

Click here to watch James Hird's full post-match press conference

"Fletch and I haven't had the conversation that he's definitely not playing, but you'd have to think it's close to the end for Fletcher," said Hird. 

The 40-year-old hasn't featured since he was subbed off in his 400th game against Richmond in round nine with a groin complaint. 

Hird wasn't willing to speculate on Fletcher's future but was hopeful the defender would be able to return this season.

"He won't get back before two to three weeks, definitely," Hird said.

"Hopefully sometime after that he'll come back. I'd like to see him play again. I think he deserves to play again at some stage. I think the supporters would love to see him play again. Whether he does or not, that will be up to his body."

O'Brien, 22, was drafted in 2011 and has been developing his craft at VFL level over the past three seasons.

He was brought into the side against Hawthorn in round 13 and hasn't looked back.

He's been building towards that," Hird said.

"As the year's gone on he's got better and better. In the reserves, there was six games in a row where he was getting 30 to 35 possessions and getting tagged and dominating those games.

"That's what we saw again tonight. He's just getting more comfortable. His brain's going quicker and picking the game up, and he's reading the cues better. There's still a lot of work… some guys just need time, and time in AFL games."