The ‘baptism of fire’ for several of Essendon’s young stars will only benefit them in the long run.
Essendon started well against the in form Swans on Saturday afternoon, trailing by only 17-points at the main break.
However, youth and inexperience was ultimately the difference, as the more mature opposition piled on 13 goals in the second half to run out 81-point winners.
Coach John Worsfold remained positive after the game however, believing that the boys were showing signs of the gameplan that the Coaches are attempting to teach.
“A lot of the time they are playing the way that we want them to play,” said Worsfold
“We’re not seeing the benefits of that because of some skill errors, which is really about where our group is at.
“We make more errors than any other group in the competition and we don’t compete and match other clubs on contested ball because of the make up of our group at the moment
“So they’re the challenges.
“Otherwise, they are working really hard to put things in place that we’re asking them to do.”
It was a big test for several of Essendon’s younger players, but none more than defender Michael Hartley who in only his sixth game of senior football was given the massive task of playing on power forward Lance Franklin.
Franklin continued his good form against the Bombers finishing the afternoon with six goals.
Although Franklin would finish with six goals, Hartley competed well and gave complete efforts right until the final siren.
“We’re taking a lot out, week to week, with what we’re learning from our young players,” said Worsfold
“Michael Hartley playing up here on Buddy Franklin, that’s just massive experience for him.
“He’s disappointed that Buddy kicked six, but considering the way that the game was played I think that he did a good job.
“These are opportunities for him in his sixth game.”
Worsfold also continues to be impressed by first year player Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti who finished the day with 18 possessions and six rebound 50s.
McDonald-Tipungwuti has been a revelation so far this season after joining the Club as a rookie at the end of last year.
Seemingly now a permanent fixture in the team, he demonstrated plenty of his trademark run and carry off the half-back line while there could be no questions about his efforts and pressure against the opposition.
The Bombers sit in 17th position on the ladder above the winless Fremantle.
Worsfold’s confidence and enthusiasm for the group’s future, however, remains as strong as ever as he looks to build a structure that will see the Bombers find success in the future.
“It’s challenging, but it’s challenging for pretty much every coach in the competition,” said Worsfold
“I’m enjoying the challenge.
“I’m enjoying what we’re trying to build here and I’m pretty excited about what we’re going to develop over the course of this year and lay a platform for a really bright future for the Essendon Football Club.”
MEDICAL ROOM
Essendon: Jonathan Simpkin looks set for a stint on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring in the opening quarter.
NEXT UP
Essendon have a Saturday afternoon date with the ladder leaders North Melbourne at Etihad stadium.
SYDNEY SWANS 4.3 7.10 12.12 20.15 (135)
ESSENDON 3.3 5.5 6.9 7.12 (54)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: Franklin 6, Heeney 5, Papley, Tippett, Jack 2, Sinclair, Hewett, McGlynn
Essendon: Zaharakis 2, Fantasia, Bird, Brown, Simpkin, McKernan
BEST
Sydney Swans: Heeney, Mitchell, Parker, Franklin, McGlynn, Kennedy, Hannebery
Essendon: Zaharakis, Brown, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Dempsey, Goddard
INJURIES
Sydney Swans: Robinson (shoulder)
Essendon: Simpkin (hamstring)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Nicholls, Edwards, Fleer
Official crowd: 29,527 at SCG
