While Essendon were soundly beaten 67-32 by St Kilda in their practice match last Friday, AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich believes there were some positives to take away for Bombers fans.
In blustery conditions at Moorabbin, it was tough going for Brad Scott’s side who ended up having the same amount of scoring shots as the Saints but were blown away as they kicked 3.14 to St Kilda’s 10.7.
With most fans keeping a close eye on young players and recruits, one draftee that stood out for Gabelich in Alwyn Davey Jnr.
As Davey Jnr looked lively to collect 13 disposals and kick a goal, Gabelich pondered whether the teenager was more likely to earn a Round 1 selection over Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, who could only muster the six touches.
“I did like Alwyn Davey Jnr,” Gabelich told SEN.
“He’s someone who has had a really good last six to eight weeks of the pre-season and he’s clearly in the mix for Round 1.
“I’m just not too sure where Anthony McDonald Tipungwuti sits in that selection frame.
“Obviously he’s played the two practice matches and he hasn’t set the world on fire.
“He’s coming from a long way back, so to even be in the mix for Round 1 is a big positive.
“I don’t think they thought that when he decided to come out of retirement that he’d be in this position, but they may still go with him because he’s got the runs on the board.
“But in Alwyn Davey Jnr, they’ve got a really good option there.
“(Fellow small forward) Jye Menzie showed quite a bit as well across the summer, they looked at him twice last year and he might be someone that plays early.”
Gabelich was also impressed by the performances of Jordan Ridley and former Blue Will Setterfield who all but locked in a Round 1 start with 25 disposals.
“From the Bombers’ perspective, there were some decent performances,” Gabelich said.
“The conditions were really difficult out there, but I like Will Setterfield, he could come in and play Round 1, he had 25 touches and six tackles.
“Jordan Ridley again, he’s such an impressive player and has been for some time, he was good.
“There were some positives, but it’s going to take time under Brad Scott and I think everyone understands that.”
The Bombers now gear up for a Round 1 clash against the Hawks at the MCG on March 19.