Essendon won the first three quarters in a clinical display against the team which ruined its 1999 campaign, and eased off in the last to run out comfortable winners.
The victory was set up from defence where Dean Solomon was superb, Dustin Fletcher thrashed Lance Whitnall, and Sean Wellman provided a steady supply of rebound. The midfield was typically efficient, while Coleman Medallist Matthew Lloyd kicked four up forward.
The one lowlight was teak-tough defender Mark Johnson suffering a back/rib injury in the first term. He left the ground and played no further part, meaning that his participation next week might be doubtful.
