Essendon VFLW has suffered a disappointing loss, going down to NT Thunder by 64 points at TIO Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Bombers were outclassed from the opening bounce, as the Thunder proved too strong in the 1.6 (12) to 12.4 (76) result.
NT dominated play early, kicking three unanswered goals in the opening term and continuing its dominance in the second as the margin blew out.
Senior coach Brendan Major said the team’s performance was off across the ground.
“Our players were a little bit too reactive. We weren’t proactive enough and let them get the ball,” Major said.
“They (NT Thunder) just played really good football, they kicked the ball accurately and they moved the ball really well.
“We just gave them too many opportunities with the ball. We just didn’t defend well enough.”
The third term showed much better signs as the Dons did well to stem the home side’s momentum, conceding just two goals for the quarter.
Major said it was a commendable effort after an eight-goal-to-zero first half, but admitted his side couldn’t afford more slow starts.
“Once again, for the second week in a row, the second half was okay.
“By the second half we started to get our hands on the ball, we started to move the ball better and just compete better.
“In the first half, we just had a lack of competition, we didn’t compete as well as we wanted to.
“Like any game, there were some positives, but at this point it’s about trying to get the group to understand that they can play better football at the start of games, when the heat is on, rather than waiting until the second half.”
Major said composure and efficiency were also lacking.
“We had some really good chances to get on the scoreboard throughout the game, but we just couldn’t finish it off.
“And that was probably indicative of across the ground. I thought the midfielders worked really well to get their hands on the ball, but then we just didn’t use it very well.”
“The backline defended really well at times, but then we just didn’t have the composure to exit the defensive fifty.”
Youngster Elizabeth Hosking was one of the positives out of a tough afternoon, making her Essendon debut.
Major said the AFL Canberra Women’s Rising Star winner showed promise.
“Whenever you debut at VFL level, it’s going to be a big step-up from the standard of local footy.
“So, she worked really hard, she got us some good positions and she’ll be better for it.
“She’ll be better next week than she was last week”.
Essendon VFLW has an eight-day break before facing Melbourne Uni at Melbourne University main oval on Sunday.
Major said the team would remain focused on its own performance.
“We just focus on what we’re trying to do. Week-in, week-out we’re just trying to get our systems and out structures right.
“So, we’ve just got to get our hands on the football and use it better and we’ve got to get a lot better at executing the skill fundamentals under pressure”.
The first bounce will be at 2:30pm on June 30.
Essendon 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.6 (12)
NT Thunder 4.0 9.3 11.3 12.4 (76)
GOALS
Essendon – Moreen
NT Thunder – Ponter 3, Thompson 3, Hewett 2, De Melo 2, Streader, Hickey
Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.
