In 2019 we will be looking back on five key lessons to take away from every Bombers match, thanks to RMIT.

This time we look into Essendon's 32-point loss to Geelong in the Country Game on Sunday.

1. Geelong is clearly the current benchmark

Prior to the match several players and coaches publicly declared the Cats as one of the biggest threats in 2019 and it is fair to say that opinion would have only strengthened.

Geelong entered the match a game clear at the top of the ladder, with the only blemish on their year a narrow four-point loss to Greater Western Sydney.

They had also knocked off Collingwood, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hawthorn and reigning premier West Coast – comfortably. The Bombers knew it wouldn’t be an easy task.

But rather than just showing their own prowess, it was the Cats’ ability to quash the Bombers and squeeze nearly every bit out of the way the Dons wanted to play that impressed the most.

They were powerful yet classy in defence and measured yet dangerous in attack. There are plenty of things for the Bombers to take out of the clash, but coach John Worsfold was the first to admit that the side has a gap to bridge if it wants to beat the best this year.

Worsfold addresses his side during the loss to the Cats. (Image: AFL Photos)

2. Parish must be utilised in the guts

It loomed as an important year for Parish as he looked to solidify his spot in the senior line-up, but the season didn’t start as he had hoped when he was left out of the side in round one.

But rather than letting that disappointment take over, he knuckled down and earnt his spot back. Since then, it’s been clear that he is always at his best in the middle of the contest.

Having been commonly tried across half-forward and on the outside throughout his career, it is time for the young midfielder to take that next step and his game on Sunday was another encouraging sign that he can make a spot as an inside midfielder his own.

Parish was clearly among the Bombers’ best against the Cats, gathering 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six inside 50s, a goal and a game-high 11 score involvements.

Parish impressed on the ball at the MCG on Sunday. (Image: AFL Photos)

3. The senior Dons can take a bit away from the VFL Bombers

Tested for the second week in a row, the VFL Bombers responded brilliantly against Geelong to run away with a 42-point victory in Sunday’s curtain raiser at the MCG.

Despite continued personnel losses due to injuries across both the senior and VFL lists, the Bombers were once again able to flex their muscles to remain undefeated with a nice view from the top of the ladder.

It was a brilliant performance across the board, with experienced heads and fresh faces joining forces to beat the Cats both in and out of the contest.

The game had been a grind in the first half, but the Bombers broke out and were able to recapture their run and flair, something the AFL side struggled to do against the well-drilled senior Cats.

Enjoying football has been a key focus for the club in 2019 throughout every team, and the VFL Dons certainly did that (see below).

4. Stringer continues to lead the way

I know I praised Stringer in last week’s edition of this piece, but his performance against the Cats only further demonstrated his tremendous value to the side.

When the Bombers are up, Stringer is almost unstoppable. When the Bombers are down, he always continues to set the tone with his effort and grunt.

That was the case on Sunday when Essendon struggled to break the shackles, which seemed to damage the confidence of the side at times. Stringer was always there competing, no matter where the game sat.

It is remarkably important to have players who can perform at such a high level consistently and it puts the powerful forward in an elite category.

He finished with 18 disposals, five marks, three goals – taking his season tally to a club-high 14 goals – and plenty of hard work pushing up the and down the ground in the absence of leading forward Mitch Brown.

It wouldn’t surprise many fans if he is leading the Crichton Medal count at the moment and he should be applauded for his superb season so far.

Stringer celebrates one of his three goals against the Cats. (Image: AFL Photos)

5. It’s important to keep perspective

It was a disappointing result on Sunday off the back of some terrific efforts in recent weeks, but this week in football has taught all footy people another valuable lesson in perspective.

Five-year-old Bombers fan Charlie Scholten took his very first steps at The Hangar on Tuesday before having the time of his life when he ran out through the banner with Stringer.

It was one of many beautiful stories highlighted by several clubs across the league this week.

Following on from the brilliant Kick for the Kids game and ahead of Dreamtime at the ‘G and many other meaningful fixtures later this year, Sunday’s Country Game was also another important moment to recognise that things are often bigger than just a game of footy.