Essendon VFL produced a solid second half performance to defeat Geelong by 17 points in Tuesday's practice match at GMHBA Stadium.
A slow start saw the Cats boot the first four goals of the contest, but despite the Dons struggling to move the ball forward in the first term, they worked their way into the contest nicely after the break and began to convert their opportunities.
The inclusion of Will Setterfield, Peter Wright and Tom Edwards into the mix after half-time held immediate impact, with Edwards again the star of the show - booting four goals in a half of footy for the second time in the space of two weeks.
Still trailing by 17 points heading into the final term, the Bombers overpowered the Cats with a six-goal run home - AFL-listed big man Kayle Gerreyn slotting the sealer with a long-range snap.
Rhys Unwin's turn of pace was critical in getting the Dons going off half back, while the hard running and desperate tackling efforts of Luamon Lual and VFL signing Hamish Sinnott didn't go unnoticed, especially in the latter stages of the contest.
Jye Menzie was creative up forward, booting three goals of his own and directly assisting at least two more in a showcase of his work over the course of a third full pre-season, with veteran Todd Goldstein shouldering the ruck duties well for the majority of the afternoon.
VFL-listed forward Oskar Smartt has also showed no signs of slowing after his promising 2024 performances, jagging two goals and providing important physical presence ahead of the ball with his pressure, while Tyler Sellers also created chances with his aerial work up the ground.
Following last week's 20-point defeat to Footscray in their first VFL practice match of the year, the Dons took some steps forward with a more efficient effort this week.
The Club still have two more practice matches against Collingwood and Box Hill to come before the official start of the season, with Cameron Joyce set to take the reins as Senior Coach.
GEELONG 4.2 5.9 8.13 9.13 (67)
ESSENDON 0.3 3.4 6.8 12.12 (84)
GOALS
Edwards 4, Menzie 3, Smartt 2, Gerreyn 2, Wright
