Essendon’s horror run has continued today after being beaten by the Brisbane Lions by 27 points at Etihad Stadium.

A sluggish performance capped off a tough week for the Club with the Lions holding control of the match from the outset.

Assistant coach Adrian Hickmott said the playing group could take some positives out of the second half.

“It was a disappointing result overall but I think our second half was probably better than our first half,” Hickmott said.

“In the first half I thought we were reactive and we missed about three or four tackles right from the start and I suppose it didn’t set a good example for us to move forward.

“I thought the guys won the last half which was a positive.”
Don't miss this year's Great Grand Final Comedy Debate featuring Australia’s best-known comedians and sporting personalities including comedians Adam Rozenbachs, Denise Scott, Cal Wilson, Anthony “Lehmo” Lehman and radio identity Tom Elliot.

With 19 players unavailable through illness and injury this week, Essendon fielded the youngest side in the competition this round, including 15 players with under 50 games experience.

Hickmott said he was pleased to see a number of the younger players putting their hands up.

“Jake Carlisle was very good, he had 12 marks for the day which was really pleasing to see,” Hickmott said.

“Leroy Jetta performed well in the midfield and showed that he can play there and do a good job there.”

With one game left for the season, Hickmott said he hopes the players can be competitive against the Western Bulldogs next Saturday night for the entirety of the match.

“We just want to go out there and be competitive. We have to play our last game and get everyone right and be competitive from the start,” he said.

“We have to go out there to show our members and supporters that we haven’t thrown the year in.”
Join the team as we recognise Essendon's best player of the 2010 season at the Crichton Medal night on October 1st 2010.