Bendigo Bank Bombers coach Shannon Grant is confident his side can bounce back from Saturday’s season-opening loss to the Northern Bullants.

The Bombers were competitive for the first three quarters, but injuries took their toll and the Carlton-aligned Bullants burst clear in the final term to win comfortably, 16.13 (109) to 9.10 (64).

“We played well in patches and to be still within a couple of goals early in the last quarter was a credit to the way the boys went about it,’’ Grant said.

“John Williams and Pearce Little copped knocks and couldn’t come back on and Stewart Crameri was hampered as well, which didn’t help our cause.

“We were out on our feet in the final 15 minutes and they ran away from us.

“Our decision-making let us down at times, but overall I was happy with the effort.’’
 
The shining light for the Bombers was controversial key position player Michael Hurley.

Hurley, suspended by Essendon for the opening three rounds of the AFL for an attack on a taxi driver, kicked four goals from centre half-forward for Bendigo on Saturday.

“He’s a pretty special player,’’ Grant said of Hurley.

“He’s got a big future ahead of him. Unfortunately we won’t see him much at Bendigo.’’
 
 
Essendon coach Matthew Knights said although Hurley impressed, he was not yet guaranteed senior selection.
 
“He virtually played the whole four quarters and got through the game wonderfully well,’’ Knights said.
 
“I think he was one of the better players with Bendigo, I only saw the first half live, so we’ll consider him, but the forward line worked reasonably well (in Saturday night’s win over Carlton), so that will be a Monday or a Tuesday decision.’’
 
Alwyn Davey responded well to being dropped from the Essendon senior side, while ruckman Jason Laycock showed some good signs.

Grant was impressed with the efforts of Jarrod Atkinson.

“Jarrod floated forward from half-back and kicked a couple of goals,’’ Grant said.

“His ability to run and create off half-back was really good.’’
  
 
Simon Wiggins proved a handful for the Bombers’ defence, booting five goals.
 
The Bombers’ first home game of the season is next Sunday afternoon when they host Port Melbourne at the QEO.

“We’re looking forward to playing in Bendigo against another quality team,’’ Grant said.

“I’m sure we’ll be better for the round one game.’’

This article appears thanks to the Bendigo Advertiser.