In 2019 we will be looking back on five key lessons to take away from every Bombers match, thanks to RMIT.

This time we look into Essendon's 35-point loss to West Coast at Optus Stadium on Thursday.

1. West Coast is back to its best

The Eagles had just one more disposal. One. Yet they led inside 50s 64 to 40 and peppered Essendon’s defence with 36 scoring shots to the Bombers’ 16.

Perhaps it wasn’t the best week to face the reigning premier, with the Eagles entering the match with fresh legs after the bye in which they would have stewed over their 45-point thumping at the hands of Sydney in round 12.

While they took some time to find their feet on their home turf, they simply dominated the Bombers after the first change, proving far too classy and replicating the form that saw them put together a mightily impressive finals series last year.

If the side can keep up that form then it is hard to see them failing to go deep into the finals again.

The Eagles were at their dangerous best on Thursday. (Image: AFL Photos)

2. The Bombers need to lift their intensity

While Essendon did well to claim a minor victory on the ball with 130 contested possessions to West Coast’s 128, it’s struggles to put pressure on the opposition was disappointing.

The Eagles out-tackled the Bombers 56 to 44 despite finding more of the ball, with seven Dons (including injured youngster Matt Guelfi) failing to lay a single tackle.

Not everything can always be judged on numerically, but there were several moments throughout the game where the Eagles found it too easy to break tackles and waltz forward, making it all the more difficult to defend their star-studded forwards.

Hopefully the Bombers can address the concern and come out breathing fire next week.

An obscured David Zaharakis lays a tackle on Eagle Liam Ryan. (Image: AFL Photos)

3. Young forwards are finding their mojo

One huge positive from the tough night was the form of the Bombers’ emerging goalkickers Josh Begley and Jayden Laverde.

Between them, the pair booted five of the side’s 11 goals and impressed with their attacking prowess. 

Begley (left) and Laverde worked well together against the Eagles. (Image: AFL Photos)

The young forwards used their size to good effect, proving to be a constant aerial threat and taking five marks (two contested) apiece.

Laverde (12 disposals at 92.3 per cent, two goals and two goal assists among seven score involvements) is really starting to gather his momentum after returning to the senior side in round 10, while Begley (15 disposals, nine contested possessions and three goals) is also looking more dangerous by the game.

4. WA support shines through again

The Bombers may have mixed their form in the west in recent years, but one thing you can guarantee is the club’s passionate supporters will be loud and proud no matter what.

That was the case again at Optus Stadium, with a huge contingent of red and black fans making their presence felt when littered throughout the sea of blue and gold.

You can never doubt the passion and commitment of the powerful West Australian supporter base and hopefully they will have more to cheer for when the Dons head back to Perth for their huge clash with Fremantle in round 22.

 

The players weren’t alone at Optus Stadium on Thursday. (Image: AFL Photos)

5. Next week’s clash looms as season-defining.

Having entered Thursday’s match on an even win-loss ledger, the Bombers’ clash with the Eagles was always going to have a big impact on their finals hopes, whether positive or negative.

After falling to West Coast, the club’s massive meeting with Greater Western Sydney next Thursday at Marvel Stadium now approaches with extra significance.

The Bombers will be keen to bounce back, not just from Thursday’s game, but also from their poor performance against the Giants in round one.

A win will help keep the side in touch with a tilt at the finals, but a loss could prove costly with several teams still jostling for a finals berth.

Like this game, the Giants will enter the clash off a bye, so the Dons will need to be at their best This could be one fiery encounter.