Numerous Bombers have put their hands up for a Round 1 berth in Brad Scott’s side as Essendon held on for a narrow win against Gold Coast in both teams' first competitive hit out of 2023.
The two sides adopted different strategies in how to manage their best side across the first four quarters, with Gold Coast rolling out a strong team early against an undermanned Bombers. However, with Essendon getting on top later in the game, several players had their chance to shine.
4/6. pic.twitter.com/ruxi6sXLa0
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) February 23, 2023
One of those was 2022 mid-season draftee Jye Menzie. The 20-year-old, who was plucked out of the SANFL last year, booted three goals as a small forward in a role the club desperately missed last campaign.
One of the big questions over Essendon in 2023 will be where the goals can come from. The club only booted 11 for the day over the first four periods but Menzie’s contribution comes in a timely manner to continue on from the two games he played late last year.
Jye Menzie is impressing up forward for the Bombers, slotting his third. pic.twitter.com/9YSNQGDhwH
— AFL (@AFL) February 23, 2023
Will Setterfield is another who will press his case to play in Round 1 after making his way from Carlton in the trade period just gone. Taken with pick 5 back in 2016, Setterfield showed plenty of talent when he went near the ball in the midfield on Thursday evening and even kicked a late goal.
Former Demon Sam Weideman kicked the first major of the game and slotted in well alongside Peter Wright in attack.
As for their opposition, Sam Flanders has set tongues wagging over the pre-season and continued the hype with a dominant performance across the game.
Reports had indicated the 21-year-old was training the house down and Flanders stepped up to the plate early with the first two goals of the game and played a starring role for the Suns.
Other standouts
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti returns to the field
He last played in August of 2021 and has done a power of work to get back onto Essendon’s list. Despite questions over his fitness, McDonald-Tipungwuti’s pressure appeared as good as it’s ever been, and the 29-year-old proved a consistent threat in the forward line when the ball hit the ground.
How we’ve missed this 🥹 pic.twitter.com/HU9FwcH2E8
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) February 23, 2023
Recent draftee Alwyn Davey jnr also featured as a small in the forward line and showed more than enough to get Essendon fans excited about what’s ahead. He snapped a classy goal and his ball use already looked a cut above many on the ground.
Charlie Constable settles into new role
Earlier this month the Suns flagged that Constable had spent time down back and was being considered as a half-back for Round 1. Having been drafted to Geelong and then the Suns as a midfielder, questions were raised about the move, yet he looked cool, calm and composed with ball in hand.
Teammate Sam Collins described the performance as “super impressive”, and Constable would now certainly be firming for a positional switch in Round 1.
Collo with an update from the boundary 🫡 pic.twitter.com/seLdGg7aaP
— Gold Coast Suns (@GoldCoastSUNS) February 23, 2023