Essendon has won consecutive games for the first time this season, after a comprehensive victory against Richmond at the ME Centre on Saturday.
A first term that saw the Dons kick six goals to Richmond’s one was enough to set up an unassailable lead, as the side went on to defeat the Tigers by 44 points.
Coach Paul Corrigan was thrilled to see the Dons jump out of the blocks, admitting it was an area they had addressed previously.
“It’s been a bit of a focus for us to get off to a good start and we made sure today that their mindsets were right from the first bounce.
“I think the way they applied that with their pressure and the way the won the ball around the contest in that first quarter set the scene for the game really.”
Conor McKenna and Kyle Langford led the charge in a dominant opening period, kicking two goals apeice, while Elliott Kavanagh and Shaun Edwards slotted a first-quarter goal each.
Still, despite the ominous 29-point deficit at quarter time, Richmond were the better side of the second term, as they drew to within 16 points of the Bombers at the half.
But Essendon was able to kick five of the last seven goals after the main break, putting to bed any chance of a Richmond resurrection.
“Even when we had that lapse in the second quarter, we were able to get it back on our terms again– that was the most pleasing thing,” Corrigan said.
“Probably in previous matches we’ve had to wait until quarter time or halftime to address that and fix it up, but to be able to turn it around on field and show a lot of leadership out there to stay in the game, it was pleasing from the coaches box.”
Alex Browne won the Sir Doug Nicholls award for his best-on-ground 29-disposal performance, which included six marks and a goal.
“Alex played that wing role for us really well today, he gave us some really good width and gave us some good overlap run as well. It was good reward for him to get on the end of a goal by the end of it.”
While Kavanagh played his most consistent game for the year, as he picked up 23 possessions, including five clearances and a goal– Corrigan commended the youngster for his work-rate all over the ground.
“Elliott played through the middle for us today and I thought his game was outstanding in the way he was able to transition back and help out in defence.
“Then for him to push forward was great, he was able to get involved through overlap and win the ball as well.”
The VFL Bombers play at Etihad Stadium this Saturday afternoon against Geelong in a curtain raiser ahead of the AFL blockbuster that evening.
A win could see Essendon climb as high as fourth on the ladder.
“If we can bring our consistency into training and not fluctuate, we will be able to take that into games.
“I think we had a really good week on the track this past week, so hopefully it gives the boys a bit of confidence that they can approach next week and get into their skills, get into their craft and bring the same form as this week.”
Essendon 15.13 (103) defeated Richmond 8.11 (59)
Goals
Essendon: J. Langford 3, T. Pears 2, C. McKenna 2, M. Purcell 2, K. Langford 2, S. Edwards, A. Browne, K. Hardingham, E. Kavanagh
Richmond: T. Elton 2, B. Lennon, J. Cachia, N. Gordon, S. Lloyd, N. Mellington, M. McDonough
Best
Essendon: A. Browne, E. Kavanagh, J. Schroder, C. McKenna, O. Fantasia, S. Edwards
Richmond: M. Dea, T. Kruse, N. Gordon, N. Wynne, J. Short, T. Elton
