Essendon has fallen on the wrong side of the win-loss ledger after a nine-point loss to Sandringham at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday.
In tough conditions, both sides combine for 14 goals in the opening quarter with the Bombers taking a ten-point lead into the first change.
From then it was a constant struggle between the two sides, Essendon’s biggest lead reaching 21 points midway through the third quarter.
A fast finishing Sandringham nailed seven goals to three in the final quarter to run away with the nine point win.
Assistant coach Luke Rayner said it was disappointing to play such a poor final quarter of football.
“It was always going to be difficult with the conditions and kicking against the breeze,” Rayner said.
“However the guys have played some really good football in patches, but we’re making some really poor decisions that the opposition are hurting us on the scoreboard.”
“We don’t really want to have to kick 120 points a game to win every week so it was disappointing that we let them kick 17 goals today.”
Rayner praised the work-rate of midfielders Kurt Aylett and Nick O’Brien who continue to enjoy terrific starts to the season.
“They’ve both been fantastic and it’s a credit to both of them with the effort they put in each and every game.”
“They’ve been very consistent; they come prepared mentally and physically, as well as their mindset which has set them up for a terrific start.”
Cory Dell’Olio returned from three weeks suspension for a rough conduct charge in round one and bounced back in fine form kicking five goals.
“It was a super game from Cory.”
“We’ve certainly missed him, his forward pressure is fantastic, he impacts the scoreboard and brings his team-mates into the game.”
Essendon will head into the bye this week with full focus on their next opponent, Port Melbourne.
“We obviously want the boys to recover well and be fresh for that next game.”
“But there’s some things we need to address and we’ll be looking to do that while we have the chance over the next week or so.”
Essendon’s next game is at Windy Hill against Port Melbourne on May 17 from 1pm.
Essendon 16.14.(110)
Sandringham 17.17.(119)
Goals: Dell’Olio 5, Mellington 4, Hardingham 3, Colyer, Kefford, Aylett, Jetta
Best: O’Brien, Aylett, Colyer, Dell’Olio, Mellington
