Essendon got an early glimpse into what lies ahead for their season of pain during a 105-point drubbing from West Coast in Sunday’s AFL practice match at Domain Stadium.
The Bombers entered the match fielding a side that will closely resemble the one that runs out against Gold Coast in round one.
But they were no match for a strong Eagles outfit gearing up for a premiership challenge this year.
West Coast booted eight of the first nine goals to set up the 1.23.11 (158) to 0.7.11 (53) victory, with Matt Priddis starring through the midfield, and Jeremy McGovern booting three goals after starting in defence.
The Bombers are short-priced favourites to win this year’s wooden spoon after 12 of their players were handed season-long doping bans.
And Essendon’s performance against the Eagles in a match that began in 39-degree heat wouldn’t have given supporters much hope for what’s in store this year.
One massive positive for the Bombers was the performance of spearhead Joe Daniher, who tallied 18 disposals, 10 inside 50s and 1.3 from limited opportunities.
The 22-year-old has bulked up to 94kg this season, and he used his 201cm frame to bash and crash his way through several contests.
David Zaharakis, ex-Cat Mathew Stokes, and rookie Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti also tried their best.
But the Bombers’ lack of starpower across the park was evident as the Eagles piled on the goals in front of 9210 fans.
Nic Naitanui starred in the ruck, while forwards Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, and Josh Hill booted three goals apiece.
The Eagles held a commanding 85-25 lead by half-time, and they racked up another eight goals in the third quarter to heap more misery on the Bombers.
Essendon will be bolstered by the inclusion of Ryan Crowley for round one, while ruckman Matthew Leuenberger and top-up player Nathan Grima are also in the mix after putting in strong displays for Essendon’s VFL team on Saturday.
But with Courtenay Dempsey suspended for the first three rounds of the season, the Bombers have little else in the tank to strengthen their side.
West Coast appear primed for their round-one clash with Brisbane in Perth.
Although Sharrod Wellingham (knee), Dom Sheed (knee), and Chris Masten (ankle) won’t be available for the start of the season, West Coast ooze depth all over the park.
jax
Guest
They are holding each other accountable which is terrific to see. They are significantly better than they were at this time last year.
jax
Guest
How long is a piece of string! It ultimately depends on how many players he loses, who they are, where they play and how quickly he can replace them. Worsfold should be given as long as it takes so long as they are making the required progress. He rebuilt the WC list twice and he rebuilt the WC club once and that's not including what he did as a player and captain. Woosha will take it all in his stride and cop any loses on the chin better than most coaches and he'll get them back up there. The Vic media is the only thing he needs to worry about. They will turn on a WA boy quicker than they will one of their own.
jax
Guest
Eagles made the GF last year and they have improved significantly over the break just as they have under Simmo every year.. They are going to be a major force this year and incredibly versatile and dangerous. I'm expecting a top 4 finish as a lock and I'm pretty confident about top 2. The team is very united and hungry and they are going to play beautiful football. Can't wait. Go Eagles.
jax
Guest
For the tv and radio audience on the eastern seaboard Lroy.
Lroy
Guest
Im curious as to why the game wasnt played at night given everyone knows Perth is still stinking hot at this time of year??
KingKongBundy
Guest
I was having a convo about the bombers and Worsfold with a mate at work today. lets just say the bombers get nailed by 100 points most weeks this year and don't get all there players back next year or even if they do there out of form from having the year out and they continue to cop a flogging most weeks.My question is how long until Worsfold will be sacked? how many years does he deserve to be given until the bombers are a finals side?
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Agreed. Far too many of the Eagles'marks inside 50 were uncontested. Worsfold just doesn't have the players and maybe they didn't like the heat
Nicko
Guest
hard to say much about this "match" or whether eagles are really that good...all you can really say is that the Bombers were pathetic and will continue to be a miserable pathetic mob for the rest of the season...it is what it is "Bolstered by the inclusion of Ryan Crowley"? best line of the article...wow...if Crowley is the one to make a difference to your team, you really are in for a long year.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
And in 39 degree heat. And still running at the end. If it's still hot in Perth come Round 1, it's just as well that it's Brisbane visiting. Imagine the howls if a Victorian team was forced to play in the searing heat? Are there heat contingencies in place for the first couple of rounds? Lecras' teammates took his lairising seriously ,too, which shows a serious mindset is in place
Ryan Buckland
Expert
The remarkable thing about this was that West Coast put up that score with flat, 22 minute quarters. If you extrapolate the scoring shots per minute out to a full 30ish minute quarter game, the Eagles score 205 points. Unreal!
Gecko
Guest
Who'd you prefer to be: Dyson Heppell wasting one of his prime years sitting in the grandstand, or Brendan Goddard playing out the remaining years of his career in misery?