VFL coach Matthew Egan has commended his side’s resilience to stay in the contest for as long as they did against Footscray at Windy Hill on Sunday.

The Bulldogs led by as much as 35 points during the second quarter but the Bombers closed the gap in the third term.

Down to just one fit player on the bench in the final term, the Bombers came within seven points before the Bulldogs iced the game with three of the last four majors.

“They got a run on early and we had to work really hard to get momentum going back our way,” Egan said.

“I think it was 11 inside 50’s to one at one stage and they kicked three goals before we knew it.

“At the start of the first quarter and the second we were a bit slow to get going but the rest of the game I thought we competed really hard, matched them in contested ball and started to get some real momentum.

“I thought our effort was outstanding, with four down and just to keep fighting and not give up and be in the game right to the end was excellent.

“It was getting back to doing the basics really well which I think at the start of the game we probably went away from.”

Shaun Edwards was among the best for the Bombers with 30 disposals, three goals eight marks, six tackles and six inside 50’s.

Egan said the talented forward was growing in confidence.

“His last three weeks have been outstanding, particularly the last two weeks, he’s been playing a little higher up the ground on the wing which he is really embracing,” Egan said.

“What we are loving is he is taking the game on, he’s running with the ball and using his speed. He’s always been quick but sometimes he’d just kick the ball when he has time and space to run with it.

“He’s a real weapon for us, to see him get 30 possessions and kick three we are absolutely wrapped for him because he is working really hard on his game.”

Will Hams was terrific with 35 disposals, Aaron Heppell had 29, Jordan Schroder looked much better in his second outing kicking two goals and debutant Chris Peart also impressed.

“Hamsy is putting his hand up, that’s all he can do. He’s just so clean on the weekend which I think stood out,” Egan said.

“Heppell had another really consistent game, he keeps finding the ball and at the moment everything is going his way. He’s a competitor.

“Pearty is working hard at St Bernard’s, he’s an in and under player that’s exactly what we needed and Schrodes is a really important player for us.”

Essendon will take on Richmond at Punt Road Oval in a curtain raiser to the Dreamtime at the ‘G match.

The Bombers and Tigers come into the match in tenth and eleventh position respectively on the VFL ladder.

“Pretty similar sides to be honest and our form is similar,” Egan said.

“They have some really good players pushing for their selection in the AFL team so it will be interesting to see who they go with.

“It’s a really big game for the club, we hope that all the fans get there before they head to the Dreamtime, it’s a special day for the VFL and the AFL at night. 

“Hopefully it’s a big crowd and we don’t let them down.”

Of Sunday’s injuries Jack Langford is expected to play this week after a head knock while Matt Dornauf is likely to miss a week or two with concussion.

Ben Dobson will be out for around three weeks with ligament damage in his ankle. Jacob Thompson was the most serious of the four, suffering a lower leg fracture and he will be sidelined for 10-12 weeks.