Both Essendon and the Western Bulldogs have blown off the pre-season cobwebs with a first competitive hit-out for 2022 at The Hangar on Wednesday afternoon.
In what was a rematch of last year’s elimination final and played as four 30-minute flat quarters, a goal from exciting Bombers train-on player Tex Wanganeen sealed a 12.9 (81) to 11.9 (75) win for Ben Rutten’s side.
The Bombers started with authority around the ball in the opening term, but it was the Dogs who took the lead into the first charge after two quick goals from Mitch Hannan and Stefan Martin.
In what showed all the hallmarks of a typical practise game in February, both sides were rusty and regularly turned over the ball on transition, but there was plenty to be learnt as an estimated 2,000 fans lined the boundary on a warm and breezy afternoon in Tullamarine.
The smooth-moving Adam Treloar showed no signs of rust, clicking into gear after quarter time, with his game capped off with a classy goal from the pocket in the third term. Captain Marcus Bontempelli played in the first half as he continues to build towards Round 1, before sitting out the second half.
Donning a Pat Cash-style headband for the first time, Aaron Naughton also stood out despite being used a stepladder by Jordan Ridley on the wing in the third term. The high-flyer attempted an audacious mark in the final quarter and didn’t hold back despite the encounter being merely a pre-season game.
While Laitham Vandermeer continues to fly under the radar at Whitten Oval, he looked composed off half-back throughout the encounter and should slot into Luke Beveridge’s side early in the season.
Last year’s pick 43 in the National Draft Arthur Jones could not have been more impressive for the Dogs, bolting into contention for a Round 1 debut after a strong showing in his first match at senior level.
Essendon’s midfield mix is going to be a big talking point through the year, with both Archie Perkins and Kyle Langford spending more time forward as Will Snelling dominated for the Bombers.
Snelling was used in the coalface as a pure inside midfielder after his breakout campaign last year, while he also kicked a goal in the second quarter. Sporting David Zaharakis’ old number 11, the 2019 mid-season draft pick looks primed for another strong season.
Perkins was one of his side’s best as well, kicking two goals as he continued his forward role which he played in his first year at AFL level in 2021. Dons fans also had their first glimpse of pick 13 Ben Hobbs, who played his first minutes a Bomber after coming on for the fourth term.
While Essendon has no shortage of midfielders, questions still remain around their forward line and while Peter Wright made a name for himself against the Dogs last season, he was virtually unsighted at Tullamarine for the duration of the game.
Kaine Baldwin played the entirety of the second half and looked ready for senior minutes after working his way back from several ACL injuries before being drafted as a rookie by the Bombers.
Aaron Francis limped off the field early in the opening term after falling heavily but returned shortly after, allying any fears of a pre-season injury setback. He played primarily as a deeper forward in the second half as Essendon opted to rest Harrison Jones.
Both sides will play one further pre-season match, with the Dogs taking on Brisbane at Marvel Stadium next Friday night, while the Bombers meet St Kilda at the same venue on Saturday night.
FULL SCORE
Essendon: 1.5, 5.8, 7.8, 12.9 (81)
Western Bulldogs: 2.4, 6.6, 9.8, 11.9 (75)