Essendon were tonight given a taste of how much they will need to improve if their hopes of challenging for a flag over the coming seasons are to become a reality.

 

The Bombers were easily outclassed by a slick Collingwood outfit who inflicted a 98-point victory over the young side with assistant coach Gary O’Donnell saying the Bombers need to learn from sides like Collingwood and their ability to dominate so many areas of the game.

 

“It was a disappointing performance defensively, on the ball and up forward”, O’Donnell said.

“This mob we played today are the yardstick - the measuring stick - they play with more intensity, they’re fitter, they run defensively better, they run forward better, they close your space quicker and they’re the yardstick at the moment in the competition.”

Despite the Bombers challenging the Magpies early, Collingwood quickly assumed control and maintained it for the majority of the match.

 
The Magpies' pressure around the ground made shots on goal hard to come by for the Bombers, despite Essendon's ability to get first hands on the ball at clearances.
 

Collingwood used their defensive pressure to capitalise on the Bombers' missed opportunities while allowing themselves plenty of opportunities in front of goal. The Magpies were equally damaging at the other end of the ground on the occasions Essendon were able to work the ball into their forward fifty.

O'Donnell said Angus Monfries’ performance was one of the only positives to come out of a night that lacked polish.

 

“Angus Monfries was tremendous, not many others could hold their head up though,” O’Donnell said.

“Jobe Watson was also okay but we need more of our players putting up their hands on a consistent basis.”