Essendon couldn't make it two in a row to start the season, falling to the Zebras by 37 points.

The Bombers trailed most of the afternoon, unable to kick their way back into the match.

The Dons almost crawled their way back into the match in the third term, but were unable to retake the lead for the rest of the day.

Essendon were missing leading round one disposal getters in Nick Hind (AFL sub) and Ben Hobbs (late out). 

Both sides played 9 AFL-listed players on Sunday.

Patrick Voss continued his case for AFL selection, taking his tally to nine goals through two rounds. He was supported in the goal scoring category by Stefan Rasinac who added three majors himself.

Quinton Narkle proved electric through the middle of the ground gathering 23 disposals, 10 tackles and nine clearances - this continued the former Cat's strong form to start the year.

Will Snelling made his first offical football appearance for 2023, playing through the middle of the ground gather 19 disposals and 10 tackles, while Skipper Billy Cootee and Brad Bernacki both played solid games overall, winning a combined 12 clearances.

Unfortunately, these strong individual performances were not enough to secure the four points as Sandringham prevailed in the Sunday shootout.

The VFL Bombers next take on the Northern Bullants at Preston City Oval on Sunday, April 9.

SANDRINGHAM       5.4     10.6      12.8       19.12     (126)
ESSENDON                3.1     5.1       10.3       14.5        (89)

GOALS
Essendon: Voss (4), Rasinac (3), Wanganeen, Narkle, Lynch, Jorgensen, Cootee, Brown, Bernacki

BEST
Essendon: Voss, Narkle, Rasinac, Bernacki