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 convincing 41-point defeat of bitter rival Carlton.

1. Clarke adds a new string to Essendon’s bow

No Bomber has played such a striking tagging role since Heath Hocking was in his prime in the red and black, but Dylan Clarke changed that on Sunday.

After patiently plying his trade in the VFL since his senior debut in round nine last year, the 20-year-old was ready to explode on the big stage. And he did just that.

With a clear role in mind, Clarke quashed star Blue Patrick Cripps’ impact immediately, keeping him to 11 disposals – his lowest tally since round 16 in 2017 – and cutting the head off Carlton’s snake.

Clarke took his second senior opportunity with both hands on Sunday. (Image: AFL Photos) 

But it wasn’t just his incredible effort in succeeding where so many others have failed to restrict Cripps that impressed, it was also his own work on the ball.

Clarke was brilliant and tough in the contest, showing great awareness and speed of mind to work the Bombers out of trouble and gathering 23 disposals, 10 tackles, six clearances and five inside 50s. That was some effort in only his second AFL game.

2. Individual efforts back up team improvement

Darcy Parish backed up the game of his career last week with another outstanding performance, matching his career-high 31 disposals and recording a new career-high 11 clearances alongside six inside 50s and two goals.

But he wasn’t alone in breaking for another big performance. Fellow young gun Matt Guelfi also claimed career highs for disposals (22) and tackles (seven), showing a great mix of class and grunt.

Guelfi and Parish continued their outstanding form against the Blues. (Image: AFL Photos)

Defender Ben McNiece impressed in defence, battling strongly in the air and on the ground and generating a career-best five rebound 50s, while Cale Hooker’s 31 disposals was his highest ever tally.

That is just a handful of the many great efforts on the field that saw the Bombers comfortably control the game in a powerful sign of the further improvement to come.

3. The skipper is still in his prime

Dyson Heppell may be 27 years old, but his game against the old foe showed he is clearly still in the prime of his career.

Adding to the theme of career highs, the captain claimed a best ever 22 contested possessions alongside his 36 disposals, seven clearances, five inside 50s, two goal assists and a goal.

It was the ultimate leader’s game, keeping his head down to battle away in the clinches and drive the ball forward for his side.

Heppell’s balance in the contest was a clear highlight as he continually kept his feet and parted the sea to emerge cleanly out of the packs. It was an inspirational display from the brilliant skipper and he is sure to continue to lead by example after a deserved break this week.

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4. The Dons were quicker to adapt

A lot of blame last week in Essendon’s loss to Richmond fell on the side’s inability to adapt to the rain-soaked conditions quickly enough, but the side turned that around against the Blues.

After taking some time to settle into the game under the driving rain, the Bombers began to relish the icy conditions, controlling the flow nicely on the outside and cracking in strongly on the inside.

McGrath admitted in his post-game interview that having recent experience in similarly difficult conditions “definitely helps” and that was clear on Sunday when the side showed it had learned the prior week’s lesson.

“We don’t train too often out in the wet, it’s very windy out at Tullamarine but it’s not often that wet, so having that experience of last week helped us,” McGrath said.

“We surged the ball forward a lot more than we usually would, just due to the conditions. Experience pays dividends in the end.”

5. Four wins in a weekend is as sweet as it gets

Four wins including three over Carlton and one inflicting Collingwood’s first ever loss. That sounds like a decent weekend to me.

The VFLW Bombers kicked off the weekend in style with a brilliant victory over the Blues to claim their first scalp of the season and just their second ever win.

The VFL Dons then backed it up at Windy Hill a day later, dominating the contest to be rewarded with a strong 41-point defeat of the Northern Blues.

Next it was our VWFL side, with star Bomber Caleb Logan putting on another clinic with eight goals as the Dons became the first side to ever beat inaugural premier Collingwood.

The final result rested on the senior side and it did the right thing, thumping its bitter rival to stay in the finals hunt ahead of a much-needed bye that could see a number of leading senior Bombers in the mix to return in round 13.