The Bulldogs on the other hand were only minus Ryan Griffin and Scott West. The Bulldogs also rotated 29 players through the bench during the course of the game compared to Essendon’s 26. It was a telling factor late in the game given the temperature was in the low 30s.
Matthew Lloyd and James Hird both had excellent hit outs. Hird had collected 28 possessions for the match and Lloyd kicked seven goals. Both players look to have their preparation for the season ahead on track.
It was a couple of the younger players that provided Essendon supporters with some real excitement. Alwyn Davey and Leroy Jetta both played some exciting football – they didn’t rack up countless possession but when they got it they made it count.
Damien Peverill did a good job through the midfield for the Bombers collecting 25 possessions while Mark Johnson (21) collected plenty of the ball in the back pocket. Ricky Dyson also got plenty of the ball collecting 20 touches. Jason Winderlich was another solid contributor with 17 possessions.
Lloyd’s form was a real highlight for the Bombers with only one practice match remaining before the real stuff starts. He led and marked with confidence and kicked very well.
Jason Laycock is also showing the benefit of being able to string games together and is looking more at home. He spent the majority of the day in the ruck with David Hille providing him with support.
Paddy Ryder spent the day playing in the back half and got 10 touches. McPhee played alongside him for most of the day getting the ball 19 times, taking 11 marks and providing some real run off half back.
Clearly the Bombers would have preferred to win but the signs are still good for the season ahead. They have some real pace through the midfield and can create better defensive pressure than they have been able to in recent seasons.
