The match was never about the result but the Essendon coaching panel would still have been bitterly dsappointed the team was unable to get closer to the Tigers. Essendon's young players were pushed off the ball too easily and their skill level was simply not at a level required to match it with the Tigers.
The Essendon match committee will certainly introduce some of the experienced players for next weekend's practice match against Brisbane on the Gold Coast. There was no cohesion among today's unit and that will need to be rectified before round one.
Despite the lop-sided result, there were some positives to come out of the game for the Bombers. Brent Stanton ran hard all day, kicked four goals and never gave up. He will need to work on his finishing skills but he took a step towards cementing his place in the team to play Melbourne in the season opener.
Ted Richards worked hard in defence for Essendon and he too will have a senior berth on his mind in a couple of weeks time. Angus Monfries didn't look out of place in his first run at senior level and kicked two goals. Henry Slattery also showed some good signs. Kepler Bradley and Aaron Hennman battled hard deep in defence but sheer weight of numbers told the tale in the end.
