Josh Iacobaccio was a shining light for the VFL Bombers with three goals on debut. (Photo: Nathan Whytcross)

Essendon's VFL side remains winless after round three following a 30-point loss in an old-fashioned shootout against Frankston on Sunday.

The Bombers came firing out of the blocks in their first-ever VFL game for points at the NEC Hangar, but were overrun in the 16.12 (108) to 20.18 (138) defeat.

14:56

Missing captain and star midfielder Joe Atley, the Bombers were well beaten in disposals (304-375) and clearances (26-49) and couldn't match the Dolphins' spread and firepower in midfield.

Mature-age draftee Garrett McDonagh (21 disposals, five marks, eight rebounds) was Essendon's leading ball-getter in his best game for the club, while young ruckman Nick Bryan (15 disposals, 40 hitouts, five clearances, four tackles) battled hard all day.

01:45

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti showed positive signs in his second game back with 17 disposals, eight marks and a goal, while second-year defender Zach Reid stepped up his game-time in his second match back from long-term injuries.

03:51

Aaron Francis always looked dangerous and finished with six marks, six inside-50s and 3.3 in his first game of the VFL season, while first-year forward Patrick Voss also kicked three.

From a VFL-listed perspective, Will Golds (20 disposals, nine marks, eight inside-50s, one goal) and Sam Conforti (20 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) continued their impressive starts to the season, while Josh Iacobaccio was a shining light with three goals on debut.

ESSENDON  7.3  8.4  14.10  16.12 (108)
FRANKSTON  4.5  10.10  15.12  20.18 (138)

MATCH CENTRE: FULL STATS

Goals: Francis 3, Iacobaccio 3, Voss 3, Conforti, Eyre, Golds, Landt, Lord, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Sutton

Disposals: McDonagh 21, Golds 20, Conforti 20, Fitzgerald 18, Jolley 17, McDonald-Tipungwuti 17