Essendon’s VFL team went down by 36-points after a disappointing second half performance against Richmond at Punt Road Oval on Saturday afternoon.

After a strong start with five goals in the first quarter the Bombers were overrun in the second half managing just five goals after the main change.

Travis Colyer continued to show strong form with Ben Duscher once again carrying much of the load for the club’s young midfield.

Strong ball movement and a barrage of forward thrusts were the catalyst for the Tigers dominant second half display with Aaron Edwards kicking four goals for the home side.

Young defender Johnny Rayner post game said the result was disappointing.

“We started really well but the game turned into a shootout which is what we didn’t want,” Rayner said.

“We wanted it to be a contested ball game and that didn’t happen for us in the second half today.”

Cory Dell’Olio was a standout up forward as he found space and created opportunities to finish with four goals.

“Dell is super creative down forward, his communication is fantastic and he is a real leader out there,” Rayner said.

“Hopefully he can find his way back into the senior side really soon.”

Rayner was impressive in his first match back for a fortnight after suffering a hip injury.

 “It was my first game back today after missing two games with a hip injury and so it was just great to be back out there as you never want to be on the sidelines.”

“To come back in and just feel a part of it again was fantastic.”

Essendon now has a week off before turning its attention to Werribee on June 15.

Essendon 5.5   6.8     8.9       10.15 (75)

Richmond 4.4              7.7     14.10  16.15 (111)

Goals: Dell’Olio 4, Kefford 2, Duscher, Jetta, O’Brien, Aylett.

Best: Colyer, Dell’Olio, Steinberg, Jetta, Duscher, Edwards.