Essendon's VFL side ran away with a comfortable 45 point victory over Coburg on Sunday afternoon to make it two wins in a row since the bye.
The Bombers were challenged early by the stand-alone Coburg but answered every challenge to put on a terrific second half display of football.
Coburg led at the first change by seven points before the Bombers managed to keep Coburg goal less until midway through the third quarter, setting the Bombers up for the win.
Essendon midfielder Jackson Merrett said it was pleasing for the Bombers to record their second win in a row and answer the challenge by Coburg early.
“The first half we were a bit slow but the second half we were able to work into some really good form and play the way we wanted to play” Merrett said.
Merrett said coach Hayden Skipworth’s message at half time was to get back to the basics.
“Skippy wanted us to be first into the contest, get our hands on the ball and with the assistance of the wind, we were able to get the game on our terms," he said.
Merrett, playing his second game back from a hand injury, said he felt as if he was starting to find his rhythm again.
“I felt really good today," Merrett said.
“I was a little bit slow out of the gates, but felt after quarter time, I really got involved in the game."
The Bombers had 12 different goal kickers and Merrett said that it’s fantastic that the team found a way to score goals.
“You look at the likes of Hawthorn in the AFL and how they have a good spread of goal kickers.
“It’s important that you don’t have to rely on one person and if they don’t stand up, you’re going to struggle to kick goals”.
Essendon next week will be looking to make it three in a row and keep their finals hopes alive as they take on Frankston next Saturday afternoon at 1:10pm.
Essendon 18.10.(118)
Coburg 10.13.(73)
Goals: Dell'Olio, Hardingham 3, Fantasia, Edwards 2, Coghlan, Van Unen, O'Brien, Jetta, Mellington, Thompson, Duscher, Tagliabue
Best: Duscher, Coghlan, Hardingham, Aylett, O'Brien, Merrett, Fantastia, Dell'Olio
