The Bombers build up to 2006 has been solid and this morning’s hit out was the next step in lifting the tempo with the NAB Cup game against Brisbane just three weeks away. The players threw themselves in – a little more than assistant coach Gary O’Donnell would have preferred – but it is a sign of a side desperate to return to finals’ football this season.
Camporeale racked up numerous possessions across the midfield and as all would expect, he used the ball superbly. His experience across the middle is going to be an enormous bonus for Essendon based on today’s performance. His has fitted in perfectly with the senior group and is already a very popular player on the list.
Courtney Johns looked in superb condition and he matched it with his performance. He kicked three goals and it could have been six had he kicked straight. Considering the scratch match was only played in two 25-minute halves, it was a most promising performance. Assistant coach Gary O’Donnell concurred.
""Courtney was playing on a young player (Austin Lucy) but I really liked the way he lead to the ball. He had eight opportunities to take marks and he did that every time. It was a very encouraging performance,"" O’Donnell said.
In the long-term, it may have been the performance of Ryder in the ruck that was most significant. Even though David Hille didn’t play, Ryder was superb in directing the ball from ruck contests to the on-ball division. He took a number of marks around the ground and looked very much at home – an encouraging start from a 17-year-old.
Other good players included Scott Lucas (three goals), Courtenay Dempsey, Mark McVeigh, Jason Winderlich and Andrew Lovett. Matthew Lloyd, David Hille, Adam Ramanauskas and Dean Solomon were among a number of players that did not take part in the game.
