In tough conditions at the NEC Hangar, Werribee have come out on top defeating Essendon by 23 points, with a final score of 7.13 (55) to Werribee's 11.12 (78).
Essendon entered the match with momentum from a thrilling 11-point comeback victory over Williamstown in Round one and despite the strong start and tight first half, the Bombers couldn't hold off Werribee in the second half.
Essendon welcomed back experienced players Will Setterfield and Jayden Laverde, along with young ruck, Vigo Visentini.
Both teams traded blows in the first half with the Bombers going into the main break with a seven point lead.
Werribee gained the upper hand in the third quarter, executing a seven-goal surge that left Essendon trailing by 33 points at the final break.
The Bombers were unable to overcome the deficit, resulting in their first loss of the season.
Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives for Essendon to take away with young draftees Zak Johnson and Archer Day-Wicks both settling in to the system, showing their skill-set throughout the day.
Senior players, Will Setterfield and Todd Goldstein both showed their experience in tough conditions with Setterfield finishing with 29 disposals and 12 clearances and Goldstein turning back the clock with 25 disposals and 46 hit-outs.
The Bombers have the week off in round three with a bye.
Essendon 3.0 (18) 4.6 (30) 5.8 (38) 7.13 (55)
Werribee 2.3(15) 3.5 (23) 10.11(71) 11.12 (78)
Essendon best: Setterfield, Goldstein, O'Neill, Johnson, Hately
Goals: Eckersley (3), Visentini (1), Gerreyn (1), Day-Wicks (1), Busuttil (1)
