A swirling Moorabbin breeze was no trouble for St Kilda's makeshift forward line, as the Saints toppled the Bombers by 35 points in a practice match on Friday afternoon.

There were injury concerns for both sides, with young Saint Marcus Windhager ruled out of the game in the opening minutes, while Essendon's Jye Caldwell came off the field in the third quarter with a sprained ankle.

The Bombers had plenty of the footy, but struggled with accuracy throughout the match, finishing 3.14 (32) to the Saints' 10.7 (67). 

05:27

Practice match | Match highlights

Check out the highlights from our practice match against the Saints.

Bombers defenders Jordan Ridley (27 disposals) and Andrew McGrath (25) were among their best, along with recruit Will Setterfield (25) through the midfield. Essendon struggled to get any flow throughout the contest as Brad Scott's side prepares for round one against Hawthorn in two weeks. 

Essendon started with the wind but didn't grab enough of the advantage in the first term, heading into the opening change with a lead of 10 points. The Saints, however, were able to make the most of the strong breeze, slamming on six goals in the second term to Essendon's single behind to set up the win.

04:32

Practice match | Daniel Giansiracusa media conference

Assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa chats to the media after our practice match against St Kilda.

Will Setterfield was brought to Essendon to add to its midfield mix and has fitted in nicely, with the former Blue and Giants ball-getter gathering 27 disposals and six tackles against the Saints.

Alwyn Davey jnr is going to be right in the mix for a round one debut for the Bombers after two impressive practice games. The small forward kicked the first goal of the game, a precise rove off the pack near goal, and was also busy throughout the game with some deft touches and smart marks. The Essendon father-son can play up the ground as well as close to goal, giving the Bombers some options. 

00:51

Practice match | Davey's classic crumb opens affair

We hit the scoreboard early against the Saints as father-son prospect Alwyn Davey Jnr chimes in with a crafty first goal.

New faces
Will Setterfield was brought to Essendon to add to its midfield mix and has fitted in nicely, with the former Blue and Giants ball-getter gathering 27 disposals and six tackles against the Saints.

Round one chance
Alwyn Davey jnr is going to be right in the mix for a round one debut for the Bombers after two impressive practice games. The small forward kicked the first goal of the game, a precise rove off the pack near goal, and was also busy throughout the game with some deft touches and smart marks. The Essendon father-son can play up the ground as well as close to goal, giving the Bombers some options.

Medical room
Midfielder Jye Caldwell, who sprained his ankle in the third quarter and was kept out of the rest of the game as a precaution. 

ST KILDA                0.2      6.2   9.2   10.7 (67)
ESSENDON            1.6       1.7   2.13   3.14 (32) 

GOALS
St Kilda: Owens 3, Higgins 3, Butler, Marshall, Phillipou, Wood
Essendon: Davey jnr, Durham, Wright

BEST
St Kilda: Crouch, Owens, Marshall, Wood, Wanganeen-Milera
Essendon: Ridley, McGrath, Setterfield, Merrett, Davey Jnr

INJURIES
St Kilda: Windhager (hand)
Essendon: Caldwell (ankle)

Reports: Nil