In humid, drizzling conditions the team made a slow start, kicking 2.5 in the first quarter. The Bombers improved their kicking in the second quarter adding another 3.3 to the scoreline to go into half-time with a five-point advantage. The side put their foot on the accelerator in the third quarter kicking five goals to the Murray Kangaroos one to put the result beyond doubt. The team was outscored by seven-points in the final quarter, however still managed to win by a comfortable 23-point margin. ""The team ran the ball quickly through the mid-field and this resulted in the majority of our goals. We overcame the height of the Kangaroos side - which was a big challenge,"" Daniher said.
VFL regulars Ted Richards, Sam Hunt and Marc Bullen all performanced solidly, enhancing their chances of senior selection. Top-up pair Ben Goddard and VFL contracted player Ben Haynes also impressed. Goddard kicked two-goals and was handy in the air. ""Goddard reads the play well. He is a strong mark and also good at ground level,"" Daniher said. Haynes, a top-up player for Richmond / Coburg last season, was handy up forward kicking four goals. Daniher believed Saturday's match was a good opportunity to try a number of players in different positions. ""The young players had an opportunity to play around the ground. We were able to have a look at how they play and see how they work together,"" Daniher said.
Top-up players Toby McGrath and Luke Hawkins were also key contributors. McGrath, the younger brother of Cory, was a rookie at West Coast Eagles in season 2000 and has been training with the Bombers since late last year. The 20-year old reads the game well and showed poise across half back . Hawkins, a 2001 top-up player, predominately played up forward last season - on Saturday he was impressive at half back. ""It was a good move playing Hawkins in the backline. He gave us drive through the midfield and that was the difference between the two sides,"" Daniher said. Chris Heffernan played the second half of the match on the wing - the regular senior player has recovered from a bout of osteitis pubis and is likely to earn a senior recall this week.
Although it is early days, the VFL side showed positives signs on the weekend. Young, inexperienced players were key contributors which was bonus. The VFL sides next hit-out is against the Western Bulldogs this Friday 22 February at Whitten Oval. Daniher will be hoping the team can build on the form of last Saturday. ""I was pleased with their attack on the footy - they were hard at it. It will be great to get out on Whitten Oval on Friday - we are looking forward to playing on the bigger ground so the players will have to kick longer and run harder,"" the dual premiership player said.
Scoreline:
Essendon - 2.5 (17) 5.8 (38) 10.10 (70) 12.12 (84)
M/Kangaroos - 2.4 (16) 4.9 (33) 5.10 (40) 8.13 (61)
Goal Kickers:
Haynes 4, Wilson 2, Goddard 2, Hall, Lewski, Hawkins and Winter.
Best Players:Goddard, Hawkins, Haynes, Richards, Hunt, Ramanauskas and Welsh.
