NUMEROUS Bombers have put their hands up for a round one berth in Brad Scott\u2019s side as Essendon held on for a narrow win against Gold Coast in both teams’ first competitive hit out of 2023.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, with Essendon getting on top later in the game, several players had their chance to shine.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
One of the big questions over Essendon in 2023 will be where the goals can come from.<\/p>\n
The club only booted 11 for the day over the first four periods but Menzie\u2019s contribution comes in a timely manner to continue on from the two games he played late last year.<\/p>\n
Will Setterfield is another who will press his case to play in round one after making his way from Carlton in the trade period just gone.<\/p>\n
Taken with pick five 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.<\/p>\n
Former Demon Sam Weideman kicked the first major of the game and slotted in well alongside Peter Wright in attack.<\/p>\n
Other standouts included Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti\u2019s return to the field.<\/p>\n
He last played in August of 2021 and has done a power of work to get back onto Essendon\u2019s list.<\/p>\n
Despite questions over his fitness, McDonald-Tipungwuti\u2019s pressure appeared as good as it\u2019s ever been, and the 29-year-old proved a consistent threat in the forward line when the ball hit the ground.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s ahead.<\/p>\n
He snapped a classy goal and his ball use already looked a cut above many on the ground.<\/p>\n