The Bendigo Bombers scored a resounding 47-point win over the Coburg Tigers in a practice match that followed the main game at Casey Fields this afternoon. The final scores were: Bendigo 17.9 (111) defeated Coburg 10.4 (64).

The major positive for Bendigo and Essendon supporters was the impressive form of Scott Gumbleton who spent the game at centre half forward. Gumbleton kicked three goals (and three behinds) but it was his marking that impressed coach Matthew Knights.

""Conditions were difficult but he handled them well and to kick a few goals will really give him some confidence,"" Knights said after the game. ""Jay Neagle was another key forward who impressed kicking two goals. I liked his defensive work.""

Rookie Heath Hocking continues to impress playing in the midfield. Hocking got 20 posessions and used the ball particularly well. Mark Bolton also played very well collecting a game-high 23 possessions and taking 10 marks, an excellent return given the difficult conditions.

Andrew Lee played half a game – his first hit out of a pre-season that has been interrupted by stress fractures. He got through the game well. Rookie Danny Chartres spent the afternoon at centre half back and again did well. Captain Simon Rosa was another good player.

Lachlan McKinnon only managed to play 20 minutes before having to be taken from the ground with groin soreness.