An experienced Bombers outfit has gone down by two points in a tight contest against an experienced Richmond side at the True Value Solar Centre.

In the team’s final practice before the season opener next week against Casey, the Bombers started off brilliantly kicking the first two goals in a matter of minutes through Nick O’Brien and Alistair Kefford.

Until late in the quarter Richmond dominated proceedings kicking five unanswered goals with the Bombers needing to lift as the Tigers got out to a 20 point lead mid way through the first quarter.

Two late goals to Josh Freezer and Leroy Jetta stemmed the flow and the Bombers went in the first change down by just six points.

Two early goals to the returning Jason Winderlich saw the Bombers regain the lead before a tough and tight second quarter saw the first half tied at 45 apiece.

 The third quarter began just like the first with quick goals to Jetta and Winderlich, extending the margin to 11 points before the Tigers again hit back to go into into the three quarter time break with a 16 point lead.

The Bombers didn’t give up as they piled on three quick goals from Leroy Jetta (one) and Courtenay Dempsey (two).

It was then goal for goal for the last 15 minutes of the last quarter with Richmond finishing in front in what was a terrific contest.

Coach Hayden Skipworth said he was pleased with some of the team’s performance throughout the match.

“I was happy with patches of play in the game, but was disappointed that the team conceded more than 100 points and we would like to defend a bit better ahead of Round 1”

Skipworth was happy with the return of Jason Winderlich and the progression of Courtenay Dempsey.

 “Jason was fantastic, he played a team-orientated game, could have kick five or six, but passed off a number of opportunities”

“Jason will no doubt be spoken about at team selection (for next week’s game against Carlton) but that’s a decision for Bomber to make”

Skipworth added that Dempsey’s run was vital in the last quarter and gave the team a real opportunity to win the game.

“We needed his experience and run off half back and we were really pleased with his input in that last quarter and across the whole game”

Leroy Jetta finished the game with five goals and was clearly best on ground according to Skipworth.

“Leroy was excellent, his disposal was good, his pressure was good and he also set up plenty of scoring opportunities”

Midfielder Jake Melksham will become available for next week’s game against Carlton after serving his two match suspension and Skipworth said that “he has been fantastic the last two weeks and was raring to go at the senior level”

Skipworth also added that Fraser Thurlow is ready to fill the void if needed at senior level.

“Fraser’s lucky in a sense that he has played all the NAB Cup games and has had a little bit of a taste, the intensity is different, but I’m sure he will also be discussed at senior level.

Essendon will kick off its season next week against the Casey Scorpions on Sunday at Windy Hill from 1pm.

Final Score
Essendon: 15.13.(103)
Richmond: 16.9.(105)

Goals: Jetta 5, Winderlich 3, Dempsey, Kefford 2, Freezer, O’Brien, Colyer

Best: Jetta, Winderlich, Dempsey, Melksham, Heppell