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VFL SIDE IN ACTION TODAY
The Essendon VFL side takes on the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval this afternoon in their second practice match for the season. The team led by new captain Josh Mahoney are looking forward to a competitive hit-out on the big ground. Last week the side had a convincing 23-point win over the Murray Kangaroos and is looking to build on that form today. ""We want to have a look at the young blokes and try them in different positions - that is the aim of these practice matches. It will be good for the players to have a run on a bigger ground and try a few set-plays we have been working on in the pre-season,"" VFL coach Terry Daniher said.
The Essendon VFL side takes on the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval this afternoon in their second practice match for the season. The team led by new captain Josh Mahoney are looking forward to a competitive hit-out on the big ground. Last week the side had a convincing 23-point win over the Murray Kangaroos and is looking to build on that form today. ""We want to have a look at the young blokes and try them in different positions - that is the aim of these practice matches. It will be good for the players to have a run on a bigger ground and try a few set-plays we have been working on in the pre-season,"" VFL coach Terry Daniher said.
The season is looking promising for the VFL side with 2000 draftees - Jordan Bannister, Marc Bullen, Ted Richards, James Davies, Sam Hunt - all strengthened with a season under their belt. Combine that talent with VFL contracted-players Josh Mahoney and Ben Haynes and the VFL side is in good shape for 2002. ""We have a lot of talent in the VFL side and we hope to be highly competitive this season. These blokes are continually putting pressure on the senior players for spots in the AFL side - that has a positive effect on the team and the club's performance. The 2000 draftees in particular have done a lot of work over the pre-season and are looking to increase their profile at Essendon Football Club. We expect them to go to the next level this year,"" Daniher said. The VFL match commences at 3pm today at Whitten Oval and is open to the public.
Essendon backman Dustin Fletcher is keen to turn around last week’s form against Port Adelaide with a win over the Western Bulldogs this Saturday. Essendon takes on the boys from Whitten Oval in the second round of the Wizard Cup at the clubs home ground Colonial Stadium. ""The boys were disappointed with their performance last weekend against Port Adelaide. We want to turn it around this week with a good win over the Bulldogs. We are looking forward to playing at Colonial Stadium - it is our first game there for the season,"" Fletcher told a packed press conference earlier today.
