John Worsfold predicted Essendon would take until mid-season before finding its chemistry with a raft of returning stars and new faces. On Sunday's evidence, the Bombers are there.
Essendon's 61-point rout of West Coast was a statement of its potential as much as it was an example of the Eagles' capacity to disappoint. But we'll get to West Coast later, as this was red and black from start to finish.
The Bombers backed up their important win over Geelong last week with the dominant 19.11 (125) to 8.16 (64) victory at Etihad Stadium, in their first triumph at their home ground this season.
It was built on the back of brilliant pace and consistent pressure, and a dangerous forward line spearheaded by Joe Daniher that is going to worry any opposition.
Four of Daniher's five goals came in the first half when the Bombers did their damage, and he set the tone before his teammates joined in on the fun.
Gun small forward Orazio Fantasia continued his brilliant season with three goals, taking him to 22 for the season, while Cale Hooker, James Stewart, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Josh Green combined for seven majors.
For the second straight week every one of Essendon's six forwards left a goalkicker and they were beneficiaries of an outstanding midfield effort.
Zach Merrett is proving unstoppable and gathered 37 disposals, David Zaharakis is back running with the ball and found 31 touches, while Jobe Watson (30 disposals) and Dyson Heppell were also busy.
Travis Colyer won his battle with Andrew Gaff, Michael Hurley's credentials as the best key defender in the game grew stronger with a brilliant game and Conor McKenna's dash and foot skills are making him an important player for the Dons off half-back.
In short, it was a smacking. And where the Bombers had too many contributors to mention, it was hard to find a winner for the Eagles, who lacked intensity after their win over the Western Bulldogs last round.
West Coast's midfield was rendered ineffectual, with the Bombers targeting Sam Mitchell and shutting down his influence. Chris Masten was solid with 24 disposals, Josh Kennedy kicked four majors and Luke Shuey tried to lift his team, but the Eagles will leave Melbourne with plenty to think about.
Essendon's charge began early, with Daniher kicking two goals in the opening minutes to establish his side's dominance. But the Bombers weren't just on top in attack.
Hurley mopped things up in defence, and Zaharakis and Merrett both gathered 11 disposals in the opening term to help Essendon to a 16-point lead at the first change.
Then things got serious. The Bombers slammed on seven goals to one in a commanding second term, sweeping past the Eagles with ease. And no Essendon forward missed the party.
Daniher kicked another two goals for the term, both of them quick and classy snaps that combined dexterity with ability, Fantasia chipped in with two while Hooker and Green also hit the scoreboard. Essendon's nimble, attacking, exciting forward line was far too good for the Eagles' reactive defence.
Essendon's pressure was immense. Worsfold's side smashed the Eagles in contested disposals, clearances and inside-50 entries, and its physical presence around the ball rattled the visitors. The 54-point margin at the main break perfectly emphasised the gap between the sides.
The Bombers went on to kick seven goals to five in the second half to record their biggest win in nearly three years. And in destroying the Eagles for its fifth win of this season, Essendon showed an array of weapons that could topple any team.
MEDICAL ROOM
Essendon: The Bombers had a bit of a fright when Orazio Fantasia jogged to the bench with a sore wrist/hand concern in the second quarter. But the zippy small forward was back around goal shortly after and played out the game. Michael Hurley injured his shoulder on the turf after a marking contest in the last term and was sore, but recovered well to finish the game.
West Coast: Sharrod Wellingham left the field early in the game with an ankle problem and had it attended to by Eagles medicos. The former Magpie returned to the field and played out the game but looked sore at stages.
UP NEXT
The Bombers will be searching for their third consecutive win when they take on Richmond next Saturday night in the Dreamtime at the 'G clash. West Coast will host Greater Western Sydney at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
ESSENDON 5.2 12.8 16.10 19.11 (125)
WEST COAST 2.4 3.7 5.13 8.16 (64)
GOALS
Essendon: Daniher 5, Fantasia 3, Green 2, Hooker 2, McDonald-Tipungwuti 2, Parish, Dea, Colyer, Leuenberger, Stewart
West Coast: Kennedy 4, Vardy 2, Darling 2
BEST
Essendon: Zaharakis, Merrett, Hurley, Daniher, Hooker, Watson, Hartley
West Coast: Kennedy, Priddis, Vardy
INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
West Coast: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Glouftsis, Meredith, Ryan
Official crowd: 36,403 at Etihad Stadium
