Essendon got back on track with a resounding 47-point victory over Sydney at the SCG. In wet and slippery conditions the Bombers were too talented and too committed, despite fielding a very inexperienced team. With Joe Misiti and Matty Lloyd out and Justin Blumfield and Danny Jacobs withdrawing pre-match, the door was opened for debutants Robert Forster-Knight and Damien Peverill. Their encouraging first-up performances were highlights of the night, along with skipper James Hird's class and a dominant showing from Dustin Fletcher in defence.