The VFL Bombers were put to the test against Sandringham in their first practice match today.

A slow start turned into the Bombers finding their feet to come away with a 20-point victory. 

The 27-player squad featured nine AFL-listed players, with Kaine Baldwin, Nick Hind and Cian McBride all participating in a half of football.

New signing Tom Phillips lifted momentum after a scoreless first quarter by scoring a composed goal.

Defender Jack Cleaver provided run, with another goal to Phillips evening the scores at half-time.

Baldwin made his mark in the backline, a strong contesting presence with a reliable set of hands in his game time.

As the match progressed, the team hit their straps with a big third quarter from Patrick Voss, breaking the game open with two important goals.

Tex Wanganeen demonstrated his light-footed movement through the middle, slotting a goal early in the last term.

Sam Conforti and Alistair Lord both worked hard low to the ground and applied pressure throughout the match.

Rhett Montgomerie was solid in the air, and youngster Lewis Hayes demonstrated his growing potential.

Essendon: 0.2 2.5 5.8 9.9 (63)
Sandringham: 2.4 2.5 4.6 6.7 (43)

Goals: Voss (3), Phillips (2), Wanganeen, Sutton, Madden, Conforti