Essendon Bombers Soar Past Western Bulldogs in First Unofficial Practice Match

In a significant crossover from the official AFL season, Essendon secured a convincing victory over the Western Bulldogs in their first unofficial practice match of the pre-season. The Bombers claimed a decisive 11.11 (77) to 8.10 (58) win, with Tom Edwards, a Supplement Selection Period (SSP) hopeful, standing out as a standout player.

Tom Edwards Shines in Third Quarter

Edwards, described as the story of the third quarter by Fox Footy commentator Ben Waterworth, kept Essendon’s momentum going early in the match. Edwards proved his worth with two goals, marking the ball at its highest point and executing a set-shot with precision.

Waterworth praised Edwards’ ability to play up the ground and contribute at various positions, making him an attractive prospect for the Bombers.

The 191-centimetre forward was the highlight of quarters three and four, battling for an AFL contract alongside fellow train-on prospect Kaine Baldwin. Edwards’ performance is set to play a crucial role in his fight for a secure spot in the team.

Ruck Brawls and Solid Midfield Performances

Sam Draper, Essendon’s ruckman, showcased his athleticism with a well-timed goal from the pocket. Draper’s lively performance and agility were praised by Waterworth, who noted the brilliance of his snap.

Beyond Draper, Essendon showcased a strong midfield with Isaac Kako providing excellent forward-half pressure. Kako’s ability to lay tackles and find space in the midfield was highlighted by former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell, who praised the young player’s skills.

Kako also added a goal to his impressive display, bending a snap home with class and skill, further cementing his status as a key player in Essendon’s future.

Essendon’s Formidible Forward Line

Another notable player on display was the newly drafted Sam Darcy, who provided an impressive contested mark in the forward pocket. Darcy’s involvement early in the match offered a glimpse into his development as a key forward alongside Aaron Naughton.

While Darcy didn’t manage to convert his marks into goals in the first quarter, his performances were encouraging for Essendon fans and coaches alike.

Ed Richards also made a controlling presence in the first quarter, snapping from stoppage to extend Essendon’s lead. The Bombers’ forwards were generally commanding the game in the early minutes, with Richards’ strong disposals and accuracy keeping the Bulldogs at bay.

Key Injuries from Both Teams

Not all players were available for the match, with both teams dealing with injuries. Essendon was missing key backmen Jordan Ridley and Ben McKay due to hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively. On the Bulldogs side, Adam Treloar and Liam Jones were sidelined with injuries, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s absence was due to personal reasons.

Despite these setbacks, Essendon’s depth and youth talent shone through, particularly in the midfield and forward lines.

Quarterback Performance

The second quarter saw Essendon take control, with a five-goal-to-one scoring run extending their lead. Archie Perkins, stepping into a forward-half role for Jake Stringer, marked and booted his first goal of the match, showcasing his versatility and skill.

Perkins added another goal later in the quarter, capping off a dominant second half from the Bombers. Perkins’ early goals, combined with those of Kako and Nate Caddy, gave Essendon a commanding 22-point lead at half-time.

Caddy’s boom set-shot goal from the half-time siren was a crucial moment in the match, giving Essendon a solid advantage heading into the final quarters.

The third quarter was relatively subdued, with each side scoring one goal. However, Caleb Poulter secured a goal for Essendon with a snap inside 50, and Edwards added his second goal from a set shot. By the end of the third quarter, Essendon’s lead had increased marginally to 20 points.

Tom Edwards: The Match MVP

The fourth quarter saw Edwards solidify his position as a match winner for Essendon. With two goals already in the bag, Edwards continued his impressive form, first marking back and booting from the set-shot, and then executing another exquisite goal.

Edwards’ final goal, coming on the left boot from distance, was the match highlight. Waterworth described it as a “real second-half audition” and exclaimed that Edwards “can do no wrong!”

Edwards’ game-high four goals from play provided a remarkable 29-point lead, securing Essendon’s 19-point victory over the Bulldogs.

Key Players and Squad Highlights

Beyond Edwards, Essendon featured compelling performances from both established and emerging players. Third-year midfielder Elijah Tsatas played a dynamic inside role, contributing significantly to the Bombers’ strong midfield performance.

On the defensive end, Dylan Shiel demonstrated his half-back capabilities, combining strength with agility to disrupt the Bulldogs’ attacks. Zach Merrett also held up his end as team captain, managing substantial disposal counts.

New recruit Jaxon Prior and young guns like Saad El-Hawli gained valuable experience against the Bulldogs.

Final Thoughts

Essendon’s triumph over the Western Bulldogs highlights the team’s solid depth and the potential of its young talent. With contributions from Edwards, Kako, and other key players, the Bombers demonstrated their ability to adapt and dominate matches.

While injuries affected both teams, the absence of key players like Ridley and McKay did not hinder Essendon’s performance. The absence of Treloar, Jones, and Ugle-Hagan for the Bulldogs suggests they may be facing challenges throughout the pre-season.

As the pre-season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these young stars develop and compete for spots on the AFL list.

What’s Next?

The Essendon-Bulldogs clash was significant as the first unofficial practice match of the AFL pre-season. Fans and media alike were able to get a preview of the talent on display from both sides.

Future fixtures and matches will provide even more insight into each team’s preparations and strategies heading into the AFL season.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the pre-season heats up.

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