Essendon VFL has cruised to a 100-point win over Coburg in its third practice match at RAMS Arena, Craigieburn. 

Despite a scrappy start battling against strong wind, the Bombers kicked a 10-to-nil-goal second term to ultimately seal the 23.11 (149) to 7.7 (49) victory. 

Setting up well at stoppages, the Dons locked the ball in their forward half and made great use of their repeat inside-50 entries.

Even when the wind wasn’t in its favour, Essendon’s pressure around the footy dismantled Coburg’s run and forced turnovers.

Senior-listed Bomber Darcy Parish (five goals) was on fire, while vice-captains Heath Hocking (five goals) and Danny Younan (three goals) combined multiple times on the scoreboard.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher was great in defence, cutting off Coburg’s attempts at moving the ball forward, while first-year Bomber Tom Jok covered all areas of the ground and laid into the Lions with crunching tackles.

The long-awaited return of fan favourite Martin Gleeson in the second half was icing on the cake, despite him playing just over 60 minutes.

Gleeson and Mason Redman, also returning from an ankle injury, both fared well as Essendon sailed to its second practice match win.

Coach Dan Jordan was delighted with the day’s efforts. 

“We had a few things we wanted to work on in terms of our defence and the conditions gave us a great opportunity to do that in terms of the wind favouring one end,” Jordan said.

“In the first and third quarters we were trying to be really defensive (kicking against the wind) … but kicking with the wind we wanted to be really aggressive with our ball movement.”


Danny Younan and Aaron Heppell celebrate a goal against Coburg. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)

Jordan spoke highly of Parish and vice-captain Heath Hocking, but admitted the unselfish footy from the boys was a real positive.

“I thought we were really efficient going inside 50, which said a bit about the decisions we were making with the ball,” he said.

“Darcy (Parish) in the middle was obviously outstanding in terms of his work around the contest, and Heath (Hocking) competed really well and played his role.

“Brandon Zerk-Thatcher as our key defensive post was outstanding too – we probably had 15 or 16 good players to be honest but those are some that come to mind.”

Essendon VFL will have a seven-day break before facing Sandringham next Saturday at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval from 12:30pm.

Essendon 2.4 12.6 16.7 23.11 (149)
Coburg 1.1 1.2 4.7 7.7 (49)

Goals: Parish 5, Hocking 5, Younan 3, Mynott 2, Z.Clarke 2, Draper 2, Berry 2, Long, Sibbald

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.