Essendon Bombers vs St Kilda Saints: Saints send Dons to 0-2 start

Match result:

The St Kilda Saints have defeated the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium by 11 points.

The Bombers came hard in the third quarter, but the Saints were tougher and stronger for a longer duration of the match.

Jack Billings led the way for the Saints with 28 disposals, but two goals each to Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Jade Gresham was the difference in a fairly low-scoring clash.

For the Bombers, Zach Merrett led the way with 28 touches. Jake Stringer looked the most likely to get Essendon over the line, but that did not eventuate.

The questions will be asked again in terms of Essendon this week, and rightfully so.

Final score
Essendon Bombers 9.11.65
St Kilda Saints 10.6.76

Match preview:

The Essendon Bombers will be looking to bounce back against the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium this Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 4:35pm (AEDT).

It was a disastrous start for John Worsfold’s side last weekend against the GWS Giants. There was a feeling of deja vu surrounding the Bombers as they were defeated by 72 points at the Sydney Showground Stadium.

Going into the 2018 season, there was so much hype surrounding the Bombers. Many had them as a premiership contender, but they failed to even make finals.

However, the Bombers were much improved in the second half of the season, which left the red and black faithful optimistic heading into 2019.

The recruitment of Dylan Shiel from the Giants only added to the hype, but the opening round does suggest the Bombers are still a bit off the pace.

In terms of positives for the Bombers from an individual perspective, David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell and Shiel all reeled in 25 disposals each.

Kyle Langford proved to be the best option in front of goal, finishing the game with two majors.

In team news for the Bombers this week, Darcy Parish comes in for the omitted Jordan Ridley.

As for the Saints, they will be pleased with the start they have made, having beaten the Gold Coast Suns by one-point at Marvel Stadium last weekend.

It was not the greatest of performances from Alan Richardson’s side, but a win in Round 1, regardless who it is against, is gold.

Jack Billings had a terrific game for the Saints, finishing with 28 disposals. In front of goal, Josh Bruce showed his worth booting three majors for the match.

In team news for the Saints this week, Nathan Brown, Rowan Marshall and Blake Acres all come in for Darragh Joyce (omitted), Lewis Pierce (omitted) and Ben Long (omitted).

Prediction
The Bombers simply have no choice but to win this game. A loss would be detrimental, and that pressure will see the Bombers over the line.

The fact Essendon are a better side than St Kilda should also play a part in the final result.

The Bombers by 33 points.

Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 4:35pm (AEDT).

When: 4:35pm (AEDT)
Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
TV: Fox Footy
Betting: Bombers $1.28, Saints $3.45

Essendon Bombers
B Adam Saad, Patrick Ambrose, Conor McKenna
HB Mitch Brown, Michael Hurley, Darcy Parish
C David Zaharakis, Kyle Langford, Dylan Shiel
HF Dyson Heppell, Jake Stringer, Mark Baguley
F Zach Merrett, Shaun McKernan, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
FOL Tom Bellchambers, Andrew McGrath, Devon Smith
I/C Aaron Francis, Matt Guelfi, David Myers, Orazio Fantasia

St Kilda Saints
B Jimmy Webster, Nathan Brown, Shane Savage
HB Jack Newnes, Josh Battle, Callum Wilkie
C Jarryn Geary, Sebastian Ross, Jack Billings
HF Dean Kent, Josh Bruce, Matthew Parker
F Jack Lonie, Tim Membrey, Jade Gresham
FOL Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Luke Dunstan
I/C Jack Steven, Blake Acres, Jack Sinclair, Daniel McKenzie