An under-manned and youthful Bombers side continued their already impressive pre-season form with a comfortable won over the Lions.

The Brief...

• Essendon went into the game without 11 of their starting 22 players
• Hille, Monfries, Nash and Houli lead the Bombers charge
• Power leads Lions, Johnstone and Brennan promising
• Young guns a plenty in both sides

The Bombers

David Hille led the Bombers with 98 Dream Team points and 108 SuperCoach. Despite an even contest with Leuenberger in the ruck he was able to move forward and boot three goals in the absense of forwards Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas.

Three other Bombers topped the tonne in SuperCoach points, including Angus Monfries (86,115), Bachar Houli (79,103) and Damien Peverill (78,101). Jay Nash managed some good time in the middle and impressed with 27 disposals for 82 DT's and 87 SC's.

Down the list were solid contributers for the black and red, although Ricky Dyson (65,51) would be disapointed after some pre-season hype from by the coach. Paddy Ryder (33,32) also caused some concern, as did Adam McPhee (30,40), who was played around half-forward and held well by Wayde Mills.

For the "Baby Bombers", Heath Hocking (63,52) continued to impress, particularly for Dream Team coaches, while rookie Rhys Magin (61,78) got some good numbers and hyped-up Courtenay Dempsey gathered 19 disposals for 55 DT's and 74 SC's.

The Lions

The Lions were out-played by the enthusiastic Bombers and pretty simply just had less of it - 47 possessions in fact, although they were all hand-passes - and they still had 10 less tackles!!!

The ever-reliable Luke Power led the way with 74 DT's and 97 SC's and none of the squad managed a tonne in either game.

Impressive performances came from Cheynee Stiller (71,79), Jared Brennan (59,74) and Travis Johnstone (67,80) who was sorely missed by the Demons down at Geelong. Nigel Lappin (52,33), Troy Selwood (48,50) and Jed Adcock (47,39) all played below their 2008 price-tags.

On a positive note for the Lions they seem to keep finding some promise in their young players. Brad Dalziell (52,44) and Albert Proud (48,69) presented, while rookie Haydn Kiel got involved with 46 DT's and 69 SC's.

What's Next?

The Bombers take on the Dogs Friday night at the Dome, while Brisbane travel to Princes Park for a scratch match against the Kangaroos.

DT