Essendon’s four-match winning streak came to a halt at the hands of Footscray in round nine.

Under lights at VU Whitten Oval, the Bombers were left rueing inaccuracy in front of goal in their 11-point loss. Trailing by two straight kicks at three-quarter-time with 4.12 on the board, Essendon went goal-for-goal with the Bulldogs in the final term, but couldn’t break the deadlock and went down 8.13 (61) to 10.12 (72).

“It was a slippery night and it became a real arm wrestle,” coach Dan Jordan said.

“Inaccuracy was definitely an issue in the first half while they converted pretty well from their scoring opportunities.

“We were a bit fumbly, we weren’t as clean as we normally were. We were solid around the contests, that was a good 50-50 battle because they’re a good contested side as well.

“We had enough of the ball to win the game, we probably just couldn’t get some quality entries.”

Jake Long continued his good form for the Bombers with a best afield display, while Nick Hind impressed upon his return to the side after missing the round eight win over the Northern Blues.

Mason Redman and Aaron Francis once again played their role for the Bombers, while Travis Colyer was amongst his side’s best in his first appearance for 2018.

“Longy was good, gave us some drive Inside 50,” Jordan said.

“Hindy gave us a bit of run and a bit of spark…Francis contested the ball really well.”

Josh Green was the only multiple goal-scorer as the small forward’s pair of majors took his tally to seven in three games.

Although unable to start his VFL career with a win, debutant Nino Lazzaro held his own for the Bombers.

“Played his role well. He was quite clean in the conditions in a wing/half-forward role. He covered the ground pretty well.”

Essendon will return to Windy Hill in round 10 to take on Coburg this Sunday from 12pm.

ESSENDON            1.4         3.9         4.12       8.13 (61)
FOOTSCRAY          4.2         5.4         7.6         10.12 (72)

GOALS:

Essendon – Green 2, Francis, Lavender, Younan, Merrett, Colyer, Mynott.
Footscray – Greene 2, Dunkley 2, Roberts 2, William, Tashevski-Beckwith, Porter, Prudden.

BEST – Long, Hind, Redman, Francis, Green, Colyer.