Essendon impress in practice match
Essendon look to have their ruck department in decent shape if Saturday's AFL practice match against Melbourne is any guide.
After ending last season with their big-man stocks looking bare, David Hille, Patrick Ryder and Jason Laycock all impressed in stages of Essendon's 18.16 (124) to 11.14 (80) win over the Demons at Visy Park on Saturday.
The return of Hille, whose season ended after he tore his ACL during last year's Anzac Day clash against Collingwood, was the most impressive and important for the Bombers and he moved freely and gained confidence as the game progressed.
But Ryder also looked good after quarter-time and finished with three goals, while Laycock, who didn't play at all last year because of a foot injury, also showed glimpses of form.
The Bombers booted six goals to two in the first term to set up the win.
Courtenay Dempsey provided great drive off half-back, while new skipper Jobe Watson dominated the stoppages.
Brent Stanton was also prolific through the midfield.
The Demons showed glimpses of promise and will be delighted with the form of emerging star Jack Grimes and midfielder Jack Trengove, the second selection overall at last year's national draft.
But they lacked a marking target close to goal with the mercurial Liam Jurrah well held, and will be hoping that Jack Watts, the no.1 selection in 2008 is close to returning to action.
With Michael Hurley, Scott Gumbleton, Jay Neagle and Darcy Daniher looking on, the Bombers may have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talls.
"I think it worked OK and they might have had seven shots on goal between them," Bombers coach Matthew Knights of the three big men.
"That was a good result, but their ruck work was a bit rusty because Jason and David haven't rucked for so long.
"I would expect in the coming weeks they'll become more used to the combat and physicality of rucking."
"Overall there is scope for improvement.
"There were parts of the game when we were really rusty and didn't execute the way we should have, but parts of the game when we were great. To kick 120 points is good on any day."
The Demons will be sweating on scans on utility Cale Morton, who left the ground in the last quarter following a knee injury with coach Dean Bailey admitting he could be in doubt for the season opener against Hawthorn on 27 March.
Bailey was concerned that his backline leaked too many goals, but was pleased enough with his side's persistence, when there were periods early in the match when the Bombers looked poised to blow them away.
He also felt the Demons backed up well just five days after returning from their NAB Cup clash in Perth and he expressed the hope that the Demons would receive a longer break before their next NAB Challenge game.
"Hopefully we won't be playing on Thursday night," he said.
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