Essendon has obliterated any forward structure concerns in their 74-point win against Richmond at Morwell today.
Fourteen individual goal scorers contributed to the victory, but it wasn’t only the Bombers’ offence that looked in good working order with the midfield and defensive units also combining well.
To read a quarter by quarter report in Live Scores click here.
Bombers sharpshooter Mark Williams said it was pleasing to see the various combinations working well ahead of the club’s season opener against Geelong next fortnight.

“I think we really showed our versatility up forward today with a number of guys putting their hands up and providing options for us,” Williams said.

“I think Scott Gumbleton was really good. He moved well around the forward line and will hopefully get better with some more match practice under his belt.

“Alwyn Davey also showed some pleasing signs for us and was really exciting in patches. He’s a good bloke and it was good to see him rewarded for his efforts.

“Today sets up a really promising start to the year and, to be honest, I’m just looking forward to getting out there in Round 1 and testing ourselves against Geelong.”

Brent Stanton, Jason Winderlich and Andrew Welsh found plenty of touch to lead a hard-working Essendon midfield, while Davey showed patches of brilliance.
To see the Knights media conference post-game click here.
Up forward, Gumbleton and Angus Monfries were productive with Gumbleton pushing up the ground to provide a mobile marking option, and Monfries converting three.               

Cale Hooker, Tayte Pears and Dustin Fletcher worked hard to limit Richmond’s influence at the other end of the ground, linking up well by hand to run the ball out of danger and often found a loose man to keep Jack Riewoldt from having any major impact.

“Hooksy (Hooker) was really good for us today,” Williams said.

“He has been one of the best players all pre-season and has really seen return on his hard work. It was good to see him rewarded for his efforts.

“I think he combined really well with Pears and Fletch and they seemed to have defence working well.”