The most impressive performance of the day came from emerging big man Jason Laycock who turned in a very competitive performance in the ruck. Laycock more than held his own against the experienced Matthew Allan, getting his hands on the football first and competing extremely well at ground level.
Rookie list player Andrew Lovett played some very good football on a wing, giving the more experienced Dean Rioli the run around for much of the first half. His speed and skill are his key attributes and he will certainly get his chance against Carlton in the Wizard Cup.
Other good players for the Bombers included Ricky Dyson and Jason Winderlich. Both used their speed to great effect and won plenty of the football. Of the experienced crew, Jame Hird was his usual self collecting possessions at will while Adam McPhee, Scott Lucas and Mark McVeigh impressed.
Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy was impressed with the competitiveness his players showed.
""The players really worked hard today and it is nice to see that competitive edge come out,"" Sheedy said. ""This team is determined to do well in 2005 and I think we are more than capable of playing some pretty good football. Some people want to write us off but I think we will be super competitive this season.""
""I think the Scott Lucas / Kepler Bradley battle was what excited me most today. A young kid having a real battle against an experienced player and a best and fairest winner. That is what today is all about and they both played very well.
""Jason Laycock was also very good. He has been taken along quietly but I think we might just be about to see him emerge as a very good player for us.""
Dean Solomon made a surprise appearance and has fully recovered from a thumb injury. David Hille (ankle), Ty Zantuck (back), Matthew Lloyd, Mark Johnson (shoulder) and Jason Johnson (hip) did not play in today's game.
Justin Murphy and Nathan Lovett-Murray were in Darwin playing for the Indigenous All Stars against the Western Bulldogs.
