Essendon veteran Jason Winderlich has completed his first game of 2015 unscathed in the Bombers’ thumping 92-point win over Geelong in yesterday’s VFL curtain raiser at Etihad Stadium.
Coach Paul Corrigan commended the experience, class and poise that Winderlich imparted on the team.
“I spoke to the group before the game about him being another coach out on the ground.
“He sees the game so well and it was just so important that he was able to communicate to our young guys out there and coach them through different situations.
“He was able to play the roles that he was required really well today and it was just really good to see him and his body get through a game of football, and hopefully he can continue that over the next few weeks.”
It was easily the most convincing performance of the year, with every Don making a contribution in the team’s biggest win.
“I think that was the most pleasing thing– the consistency across the four quarters,” Corrigan said.
Essendon were never challenged by the Cats, kicking six goals to one in the first quarter.
The side led at every break and booted six of the last seven goals of the game.
“We carried out the key focus areas we had before the game, and I really thought we zoned in on them each quarter and did really well.”
Conor McKenna and Shaun Edwards starred for the Bombers up front, kicking four goals each.
The coach was particularly pleased with the roles they both played on the day.
“I think McKenna had seven shots on goal and Edwards might have had six in the end.
“Both of their work rates are improving and they’re finding that real consistency in their game as the moment in the roles that they’re playing, whether that’s a higher half-forward role or a deeper role.
“I think when you play your role, the rewards come at the end, and it was good to see them get on the end of a few today.”
It was the second consecutive game that McKenna has been a key contributor in front of goals.
“In the last few weeks, he’s starting to come into his own a bit,” Corrigan said.
“He’s actually quite crafty and very powerful, so when we get a one-on-one with him, even if it’s to grass out the back, he’s quick to get back to it.
“We’ve got to keep working with him and educating him, and I think there’s still going to be games where he’s not going to get as many shots on goal, but if we can just keep that education of him going and make sure we let him know what we want of him, he’s going to keep improving each week.”
The ever-consistent Nick O’Brien continued his brilliant form, as he gathered 37 touches and 15 marks.
“He just exemplifies work rate doesn’t he.
“He’s one of those guys that does it week-in-week-out, he’s a leader on the field and just commands his troops, grabs his team and says ‘follow me’– that’s what I love about him.
“You can rely on him and he’s also accountable on the back of that as well, which is a great way to be.”
Ariel Steinberg maintained his status as the team 'rock', setting up the Bombers’ attack across the backline with his 22 disposals, as well as 10 marks for the afternoon.
“Not much gets past 'Steiny'. The intercept marks that he takes are important for us, and his positioning is fantastic.
“He’s really coming of age this year, and beginning to get involved in attack as well. He just does what’s asked of him and continues that consistent form.”
Unfortauntely, the one negative to come from the result was a shoulder injury sustained by Kyle Hardingham midway through the third term. He was forced from the field and didn't return.
Essendon can continue their climb up the VFL ladder when they face winless Frankston this Saturday at Windy Hill.
Corrigan wants the Bombers to bring their A-game, as they strive for another consistent performance.
“I just spoke about it after the game– it’s important that the boys bring the same mindset to training next week.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves, we’ve got another game next week and we’ve got to bring another four quarter effort.”
Essendon 19.21 (135) defeated Geelong 6.7 (43)
Goals:
Essendon: S. Edwards 4, C. McKenna 4, K. Langford 2, S. McKernan 2, J. Giles 2, D. Coghlan 2, L. Dalgleish, J. Laverde, A. Browne
Geelong: J. Hollmer 2, M. Herbison, K. Paliouras, J. Linton, S. Close
Best:
Essendon: N. O''Brien, S. Edwards, S. McKernan, J. Laverde, A. Steinberg, C. McKenna
Geelong: T. Ruggles, P. Burchell, J. Kolodjashnij, B. Raidme, D. McFarlane, J. Hollmer
