An undermanned Essendon VFL side proved no match for Box Hill, suffering a 94-point loss to the Hawks at Windy Hill on Sunday.

The Bombers fielded just seven AFL-listed players in the 9.8 (62) to 23.18 (156) defeat, due to the flow-on effects from illness striking down five players before the AFL match against Hawthorn.

Livewire forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti returned from health and safety protocols to finish with seven touches, four tackles and a goal, while Tex Wanganeen kicked one goal from seven disposals in his return from an ankle injury.

Garrett McDonagh (15 touches) was one of the Bombers' best, while Tom Hird (13 possessions, four tackles) and 19-year-old Cody Brand (12 disposals) both showed promising signs.

The Bombers have a VFL bye this week but will play a scratch match against Sydney's reserves on Saturday, before facing Richmond VFL at the MCG in a Dreamtime at the 'G curtain raiser on May 21.

ESSENDON  3.2  3.4  7.8  9.8 (62)
BOX HILL  9.4  17.6  19.8  23.18 (156)

Goals: Weightman 2, A. Hird, Landt, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Rayner, Simpson, Sutton, Wanganeen

Disposals: Fitzgerald 21, Rasinac 19, Jolley 18, Atley 17, T. Hird 17