Rioli spent the majority of the match across half-back and gave the side run through the mid-field. He had good support from Scott Lucas who also carried the ball out of defence on a number of occasions. “I felt pretty comfortable at half-back. I haven’t trained that much over the past two weeks so it was good to play there – I don’t think I would have lasted the game in the mid-field!” Rioli said.
Essendon set-up the 39-point victory with a nine goal to five first half and then cemented the victory in the third quarter when they kept Richmond goalless. Rioli said it was a good team effort especially considering Jason Johnson (ankle) and Sean Wellman (hamstring) were late withdrawals. “It was a consistent game by everyone today and a good team effort, however, the final quarter was disappointing. We messed around with the ball too much and only kicked one goal. All up though I think the team played well, especially in the first three quarters,” Rioli commented straight after the match.
Matthew Lloyd was again outstanding at full-forward. He booted six goals and finished with 16 disposals. Rioli said it gives the team a lot of confidence kicking the ball into the forward line when you have a player of Lloyd’s class down there. “Matthew is in great form and it is fantastic for the team. It is good to have such a strong target like that down there,” Rioli said.
Essendon faces Fremantle next Saturday at The Dome. It will be a good form indicator for the Bombers and hopefully the side will be strengthened with the return of Johnson and Wellman.
