Essendon VFL has continued its perfect start to the season with a 42-point win over Geelong at the MCG on Sunday.

What started as a scrappy game filled with turnovers eventuated to a dominant display as the Bombers stormed home 13.16 (94) to 7.10 (52).

Geelong managed to kick the opening goal eight minutes into the first term, but it was all Essendon after that with the next four goals going the Bombers’ way.

One of these came from a perfectly executed handball chain, starting with skipper Aaron Heppell and finishing with a Wilson Berry major.

Both sides struggled to gain clean possession of the footy in the second term, with the first major scored 17 minutes in via Edyn Sibbald.

The second half was ultimately the game-changer – the Bombers’ trademark outside run becoming instrumental to the six-to-three goal term, helped by three third-quarter goals to Trent Mynott.

The final term was much the same as the third, barring a few misses on goal which could have pushed Essendon’s lead out further.

Geelong clawed back to a six-goal deficit late in the game, but by this stage the Bombers had done more than enough to secure the win.

In his standout game, Berry finished with two goals, four marks and an equal team-high 21 disposals.

Mynott (21 and three goals) and Brayden Ham (21 and a goal) were impactful, backing up their impressive starts to 2019.

Michael Hartley (16 disposals, five tackles) and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (15 disposals) were important to Essendon’s back six, producing goal-saving marks throughout the match.

Senior coach Dan Jordan was pleased with his side’s response to the contest.

“We were particularly challenged early in this game, whereas in previous games we probably got off to a hot start,” Jordan said post-match.

“It was good for the boys to find their feet and work their way into the game late into the first quarter when we started to get our noses in front.

“We were then challenged in the second quarter as well, but our defence held up and turned what potentially could have been five or six Geelong goals into just the one.

“We know that when we play good sides there will be a bit of an arm-wrestle at times, so it’s important not to shy away from our structures and the way that we want to play.

“As long as we play the way that we want to, I feel we can gradually wear some sides down and get the edge (over the opposition).”

Jordan also spoke highly of the team’s selflessness and the ability of the side’s new inclusions to fit into the side seamlessly, including key tall Liam Read who led the way in the ruck in the second half following Sam Draper’s withdrawal midway through the contest.

“Draper was on managed minutes, so he was always only going to play one half, but it was a bit of a baptism of fire for Read who (went from) playing local footy with Riddell last year, to playing his first game on the MCG against some AFL-quality ruckmen.

“It was great for (both in their first game) to have a win first up – it’s really important for those guys that come in to play their role, which gives the whole group confidence in anyone who comes in.”

Next Saturday sees the Bombers return home to Windy Hill for a preliminary final re-match against Casey.

“We (were knocked out of finals) by Casey last year – they’re always a quality outfit so it’s going to be another challenge for us next week,” Jordan said.

“At the moment we have quite an even contribution from different players stepping up at different times, and different players all playing some selfless roles for the team.

“As long as we continue in that fashion, hopefully we can challenge any side.”

The first bounce will be at 2pm on Saturday, May 11, after the VFLW season opener at 11:30am.

Essendon 4.1 5.5 11.8 13.16 (94)
Geelong 1.4 2.7 5.9 7.10 (52)

Goals: Mynott 3, Berry, Hocking, Sibbald 2, Ham, Gown, Mosquito, Lazzaro

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.