Essendon’s second JLT Community Series match produced periods of brilliance and resilience.
Ultimately the side fell just short of victory but there were plenty of talking points.
The defence
Gold Coast dominated the disposals (405-350), clearances (36-26), stoppages (22-15) and contested possessions (151-114). That edge translated into a 59-40 inside 50 advantage.
Despite the extra pressure on the Bombers backline, the side conceded just three more scoring shots.
Coach John Worsfold said after the match “our ability to defend under real pressure was outstanding at times”.
Michael Hartley was one of the standouts in his return to the side. He restricted Suns key forward Peter Wright to just one mark.
Stand-in Captain Michael Hurley (18 possessions, four rebounds) was also impressive.
Efficiency in attack
Although the Bombers forward forays were limited, they made the most of their chances.
The Dons kicked 12 goals from 40 entries into the forward 50. Conversely the Suns booted 12 goals from 59 entries.
Essendon’s efficiency in attack was also evident against Collingwood in the first JLT Community Series match when the side generated 24 scoring shots from 37 inside 50’s.
Langford’s development as a midfielder
Kyle Langford has played mostly across half forward throughout the first two seasons of his AFL career, but he spent the bulk of Sunday in the midfield.
The 20 year old was Essendon’s leading contested ball winner (10) and finished with 18 disposals at 83% efficiency.
The old guard
Jobe Watson (24 disposals, five marks), Brendon Goddard (19 disposals, three inside 50’s) and Brent Stanton (21 disposals, five rebounds) were all on the ground for extended periods in the lead up to round one.
This was Watson (69% time on ground) and Goddard’s (73% time on ground) second game of the pre-season, while Stanton (81% time on ground) was making his first appearance.
The next wave
Josh Begley was the headline act with his four goals, but Jordan Ridley (10 possessions) and Dylan Clarke (11 possessions) also showed promise and for the second week in a row Andrew McGrath (16 possessions) looked comfortable in defence.
