The Essendon VFL side had a disappointing end to the pre-season with a 79-point lose to Geelong at Baytec Stadium yesterday. An inexperienced Essendon side struggled to match the pace and skills of the strong Geelong unit. Geelong controlled the game and never looked in doubt of conceding the match. ""Geelong were just too strong. They had a couple of experienced players - Kilpatrick and Mensch - who were able to dominate the match and shut our mid-fielders down,"" Daniher said.

2000 draftee Sam Hunt continued to impress the coaching panel with a solid effort across half back. Hunt has been a big improver over the pre-season and there has been talk he could make his senior debut this season. At 192cm tall, Hunt was quick across the ground and hit a lot of targets with his foot skills yesterday. ""I was happy with the efforts of Sam Hunt. Hunt's disposal was second to none and he attempted to create play out of the backline,"" Daniher said.

In a day where Essendon struggled to find winners, Jordan Bannister started slowly and improved as the match went on - showing signs of form that has seen him elevated to the seniors. Ted Richards tried hard all day at half forward and took a few important grabs around the ground. 18-year-old Shane Harvey had a lot of the ball but at times his disposal let him down.

Further worries for the VFL side was an injury to rookie Ken Hall. 21-year-old Hall injured his shoulder in the second quarter of the match - the extent of the injury is not known at the moment. The VFL side will be looking to get some experienced players back in the side for its round one clash against the Coburg Tigers next Saturday 6 April at Coburg.