A nine-goal-to-one third term has cost Essendon VFL top spot on the ladder, with the side going down to Williamstown by 44 points this afternoon.
Essendon battled hard and had the edge over Williamstown at half time, leading by 12 points.
However, the Bombers managed just one goal to the Seagulls nine during the third term.
“We were competitive for a half, then obviously that third quarter really cost us in the end,” Coach Hayden Skipworth said.
“They’re obviously a well drilled side and they’re certainly the benchmark.”
Skipworth expected the loss to be a motivator as the team heads towards the back end of the season.
“It’s all about learning.
“We dropped off around the ball, then they had massive time in their forward half and smashed us around the clearances.
“So it’s about changing things when we’re under the pump.”
VFL-listed Don James Polkinghorne battled hard throughout.
He gathered a team-high 24 disposals and kicked two goals.
Skipworth was pleased to see the former Brisbane Lion back to his best.
“He’s been working really hard on the training track and it was good to see him get some reward today.”
Conor McKenna continues to go from strength-to-strength, putting in another sparkling performance.
The Irishman booted three crafty goals and looks increasingly more comfortable with the oval shaped ball.
“He’s kicked three and given off two in the goal square, so he probably could have ended up with five today which is a great return for a small forward,” Skipworth said.
Fellow forward Patrick Ambrose was solid in attack for the Dons, producing his trademark pressure around the contest, creating several opportunities up forward.
“That’s what he’s best at and we love his hard edge, and we love the pressure he puts on throughout the forward line,” Skipworth said.
“He’s been a bit disappointed coming back, but after today hopefully his name is up for selection.”
David Myers' shoulder held up on his return, however he was forced from the field late in the game with a knee injury.
Heath Hocking and Nick Kommer both got through full games unscathed.
Essendon VFL is expected to use next weekend’s Bye to recuperate and reload, as they prepare for North Ballarat in a fortnight.
“We will reassess after a good period now, and we will look at our seven games to come home,” Skipworth said.
“Hopefully we can win more than we lose.”
Essendon 13.6 (84) defeated by Williamstown 20.8 (128)
Goals
Essendon: C. McKenna 3, J. Polkinghorne 2, P. Ambrose 2, J. Schroder 2, T. Pears, K. Hardingham , A. Browne , N. Kommer
Williamstown: S. Dunell 3, A. Anastasio 2, B. Bewley 2, S. Tighe 2, N. Meese 2, B. Casley 2, S. Clouston 2, A. Gallucci 2, L. Masters , M. Banner , B. Jolley
Best:
Essendon: J. Polkinghorne, C. McKenna, A. Tipungwuti, A. Browne, N. Kommer, P. Ambrose
Williamstown: A. Marcon, S. Dunell, N. Meese, J. Charleston, W. Wheeler, P. Faulks
