It was a bleak start to the season for Essendon after it suffered a humbling 62–point loss to the Kangaroos in Round 1 of the Wizard Cup this afternoon. Although a number of senior players were missing, Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy would have been bitterly disappointed with his side’s performance. The Bombers’ first quarter was its best but it was basically all downhill from there. The only bright spots for Essendon were the three-goal debut of Jobe Watson and ruckman Jason Laycock.

It was in the midfield that Essendon struggled to match it with the Kangaroos and that ensured the Essendon defence was under continual pressure. Essendon struggled to win contested possession for much of the match and it will be one area the Essendon coaching panel will want their side to improve dramatically.

Jobe Watson did an excellent job considering it was his first senior hit out. He did get caught behind on a couple of occasions but all in all it was a very promising debut. One of his goals came from a set shot, the other two coming via clever snapshots.

Jason Laycock’s first half was very good and Essendon supporters have plenty to look forward to from this young man. He ran hard, marked well and looks a great chance of starting in the seniors come Round 1 of the real stuff. He did tire slightly in the second half of the match.

Matthew Lloyd also did quite well from limited opportunities. He only kicked three goals but he moved well and kicked well. James Hird got a bit of the ball in the first half of the game but didn’t have a major influence. Sean Wellman was probably the only other Bomber worth a mention.