Despite a slow start and windy conditions at Eureka Stadium Essendon’s VFL side has recorded their second win of the season by 37 points against North Ballarat.

After managing just one goal in the first quarter through big man Trent Shinners the Bombers got going in the second quarter and never looked back, taking control of the match with the team’s AFL experience coming to the fore.

Jake Melksham, Leroy Jetta and Nathan Lovett Murray all provided important drive out of the middle of the ground with their experience and poise shining through.

Goals to Melksham and big man Michael Sikora kick started the Bombers big second quarter with a seven goal term setting up an 18 point half time lead in a scrappy affair with plenty of congested play.

Defender Tayte Pears was outstanding for the red and black after his first match at AFL level last week, he cleaned up well across half back setting the teams attack up from defence.

Youngster Luke Davis had his most impressive game for the season alongside Pears working the ball out of defence.

Leroy Jetta continued to press his claims for senior selection with another dominant midfield display as did Melksham who took some time to find the tempo of the game before a strong second half.

Nathan Lovett-Murray and Elliott Kavanagh also both put their names up for an AFL recall leading from the front around the packs for most of the afternoon.

Essendon now take on Coburg next Saturday afternoon at Mantello Holden Reserve (note this game was originally scheduled for Sunday but has been moved to Saturday afternoon due to ABC TV broadcast commitments).

Essendon 14.13.97

North Ballarat 8.12.60

Best: Melksham, Pears, Lovett Murray, Davis, Jetta, Kavanagh.

Goal kickers: Melksham 2, O’Brien 2, Kavanagh 2, Bate 2, Brancatisano 2, Sikora, Shinners, Dell’Olio, Jetta.