Essendon had their first taste of AFLW match simulation on Sunday, falling to North Melbourne by 32 points at Windy Hill.

A fast start by the Roos had the Bombers on the back foot early, however a much-improved second half saw the momentum wrestled back to create a more even contest.

The Bombers kept working their way back into the game but found it difficult to mow down the early lead established by the Roos.

Daria Bannister and an explosive Paige Scott were among the Bombers’ best, with the link-up play from Mia Busch and Alana Barba also a standout throughout the day.

Midfielder Maddy Prespakis slotted back in nicely to the Bombers’ first competitive outing in over 10 months, praising the second-half effort from the group.

“To actually run out here as a team in our guernseys and represent Essendon in our first hit-out was really special to us,” Prespakis said.

“We’re really strong when we’re first to the ball and we made it hard for them to defend us (in the second half), so the contest will be one of our key focuses. It was nice to get out there and blow out a few cobwebs for sure.”

Co-captain Steph Cain was pleased with the return to Windy Hill, lauding its potential to establish a strong home-ground advantage ahead of the 2023 campaign.

“It was nice to really get a feel for what the season will look like for a home ground and to make (Windy Hill) a fortress for us moving into the real thing,” Cain said.

“It was a good hit-out to get the majority of our list through and really try our brand. We saw really good passages where we were able to play our system, and we’ll be able to review those to get that play more consistently.”

The Bombers travel to Perth for a second practice match against the West Coast Eagles at Mineral Resources Park this Sunday, kicking off at 10:30am AWST.

ESSENDON    2.2    5.5    (35)
NORTH MELBOURNE   5.4   10.7   (67)

Goals: Alexander, Scott, Prespakis, Toogood, Bannister

Best: Barba, Cutting, Bannister, Prespakis, Busch, Scott 

Image: Gallivant Photography.