Development Welfare Coach Paul Corrigan labeled wasted opportunities as a primary factor in VFL side’s one-point loss to Sandringham in their season opener.
The Bombers dominated for majority of the match, leading at every break. But missed chances caught up to them late in the match, with the Zebras running over the top.
“We had a lot of the ball throughout the game, but probably didn’t use it and adjust to the conditions 100% of the time,” Corrigan admitted.
“We had a lot of forward entries, where we can get better and hopefully score on those.”
Corrigan flagged defence as an important area to improve on before their next match, which also let the side down in the loss.
“Probably some of our accountability and defensive stuff on the turn overs and through transition we can improve on too.”
Midfielder Lachlan Dalgleish was the only injury from the weekend – the youngster set to be sidelined for several weeks.”
“Lachie Dalgleish was one to come out with a PCL (knee injury), so I think he will be a couple of weeks, but everyone else got through OK,” Corrigan said.
Will Hams put in another stellar performance, as he goes from strength-to-strength since returning from injury, gathering 21 disposals and laying a game-high 12 tackles.
“He’s had a really good pre-season, obviously he had an injury riddled year last season and not being able to play much footy, so it’s fantastic to see him back in for round one this year, and he put his foot forward.”
Corrigan conceded the hard-nosed midfielder could be firming for an AFL call up in the coming weeks.
“He’s put his hand up.
“He was really good on the inside and really good on the outside, he’s just a real hard-nut in at the footy and wins a lot of contests.”
Defenders Ariel Steinberg and Courtney Dempsey also impressed for the Bombers, both playing a valuable role in defence to kick off the season.
“It was fantastic to see those two lead the way down back with their experience,” Corrigan said.
“We know ‘Steiny’ is very good when he defends those big guys. When he reads the ball and gets off his man, he can take a lot of intercept marks as well.”
“And I thought Dempsey’s game was really good.”
“They tried to drag him back at times, but he just played his role, got off his man when he could and joined in offence as well.”
Essendon face Collingwood this Sunday, following the AFL blockbuster a day prior.
It will be the first home game this season at Windy Hill, with Corrigan declaring it’s an honor to play this weekend.
“It should be a great clash– they always are against Collingwood.”
“It’s a great privilege to play on the ANZAC Day weekend, so we’re really looking forward to the challenge and hopefully the boys can come out on top.”
