BEFORE Saturday's win over Port Adelaide, Leroy Jetta had never kicked four goals in an AFL game. He picked a good day to do it for the first time.

Jetta was Essendon's spark against the Power. He zigged and zagged between contests, bringing an energy with him that helped make things happen.

He was most effective close to goal. Jetta's career-high bag pointed to a new, more experienced Jetta, one who sees the goals in front of him and wants to make an impact on the scoreboard.

In the past he might have looked to pass off the ball to teammates in better positions, but coach James Hird has pushed him to take his shots. He feels more comfortable doing it now.

"Early on in my career I was a bit unselfish and didn’t want to take the shots on goal," Jetta told AFL.com.au. 

"But Hirdy has been really great in getting me in front of goal and he really wants me to have my shots. Today I really took it on and had a shot."

Jetta's final goal sealed Essendon's win, with the 23-year-old finding space behind the contest and running into an open goal.

He worked hard on his running over summer - his repeat sprints and endurance testing was stronger than before - and it appears to have already had an impact in getting away from his opponent with more ease.

"We've been working on our ball movement for the last five months, so I was able to sneak out the back a few times," Jetta said.

"With the midfielders working hard up the field, the forwards hold back and give them space.

"Once there's 50 metres' space over the back, hopefully the midfielders can get it over the back and I can use my speed to hopefully kick a goal."

Jetta, Angus Monfries and David Zaharakis provide the Bombers with a fleet of smaller options in attack. Along with big men Michael Hurley, Patrick Ryder and Stewart Crameri, Jetta said the Bombers' forward line is beginning to find its rhythm. "It's a great mix," Jetta said.

Jetta kicked one goal, three behinds and skewed a couple of other chances in Essendon's round one win over North Melbourne last week, and Hird said he had already noticed a different, better Jetta this season.

"I think he played really well last week," Hird said.

"He was up and about, and probably didn’t convert his opportunities as he may have, but this week he did. He's a really improved player, and he improved last year from the year before that and has improved again.

"We're very happy with Leroy and he should be very happy with himself."

Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the AFL or the clubs