Essendon VFL has suffered a 22-point loss to the Footscray Bulldogs this afternoon at Whitten Oval.
After jumping out of the blocks and kicking the first three goals of the game, the Bombers could manage just four more for the remainder of the match.
VFL Co-Coach Paul Corrigan admitted his side was outplayed by the Bulldogs.
“We had more inconsistencies throughout the game,” he said.
“One particular area was our ball use and our opportunities in front of goal- we didn’t take them when the Bulldogs did.”
In swirly conditions the Bulldogs adjusted to the conditions far better on their home deck.
“We just need to tidy up and have a bit more composure and care with the ball,” Corrigan said.
“When they had the ball they seemed to use it a bit better.”
Tayte Pears was among the Bombers’ best. The defender picked up 20 touches as he continued his superb form down back.
“He was strong down there,” Corrigan said.
“He just needs to keep continuing his form week-in-week-out, keep putting pressure on the guys above him in the AFL and hopefully he might get an opportunity.”
Shaun Edwards made a strong return to VFL after missing out on AFL selection. The smooth-mover picked up 23 disposals as he controlled throughout the midfield.
Corrigan particularly pleased with Edwards’ attitude throughout the afternoon.
“It was really pleasing to see Shauny come back and play a consistent game across four quarters,” he said.
“Sometimes when you get dropped from the AFL you can be disappointed and carry it into the game but I thought he was really positive, gave us a lot of energy.”
The loss now makes next weekend’s clash against Werribee vital to the VFL Bombers’ top-four aspirations.
“You can see how close the top-eight is in the VFL at the moment each week it keeps changing,” Corrigan said.
“Each week and very important and hopefully next week we can perform a little better and get a win on the board.”
Essendon 7.12 (54) defeated by Footscray 11.10 (76)
Goals
Essendon: C.Dempsey 3, C.McKenna 2, D.Coghlan, S.McKernan
Best
Essendon: S.Edwards, C.Dempsey, D.Coghlan, T.Pears, B.McNiece, P. Chapman
