Updated March 09, 2012 22:08:55
Ruckman Paddy Ryder and returning skipper Jobe Watson played starring roles to deliver Essendon its first win of the AFL preseason at Docklands on Friday night.
The Bombers hung on to beat Sydney 1.14.12 (105) to 1.14.10 (103), after at one stage looking set to be over-run by the surging Swans.
Sydney trailed by 30 points early in the third quarter, but booted eight of the next nine goals to storm to an 11-point lead early in the last.
Essendon responded, with Ryder (four goals) kicking two majors either side of setting Watson up for his second goal of the night, which put the home side back in front.
The captain's crucial goal, kicked while he was fighting off cramp, capped a fine game, Watson's first for the year, as he gathered 27 disposals and 10 clearances.
Perhaps even more heartening for Bombers fans was an impressive showing from speedy running defender Courtenay Dempsey, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, but was particularly good early.
Fellow knee injury victim Jason Winderlich came on in the third term to play his first half for the year.
Veteran Dustin Fletcher, key forward Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell and Brent Stanton also played their first matches this preseason, the Bombers having failed to make it to Wangaratta for last weekend's scheduled clash with St Kilda.
Bombers coach James Hird said his men allowed the Swans back in because they tired, which might have been an affect of missing last weekend's game.
"It probably had something to do with it. That was for at least half our team their first proper hit-out," he said.
He said Dempsey had returned from his injury a more mature player and likewise Ryder was maturing.
"He's decided 'This is my time and I'm going to take it on,' he's another one that has matured greatly," Hird said.
There were also some good signs for Sydney, which fought hard to keep the match a contest after being outplayed early.
Young key forward Sam Reid showed the marking class which turned him into a star last year, to boot four goals.
Young midfielder Luke Parker was also impressive, with 21 touches and two goals, while speedsters Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan (two goals) showed some exciting glimpses.
Dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes was typically classy, kicking a nine-point goal late in the first term to keep his side in touch and a six-point snap late in the third quarter to again keep the game close.
Rhyce Shaw was also good for the visitors, with his run from defence.
Swans coach John Longmire said Sydney's performance was patchy.
But he expected more from a full-strength team next weekend, ahead of Sydney's season-opener against crosstown rival Greater Western Sydney on March 24.
Ben McGlynn, Ted Richards, Martin Mattner, Daniel Hannebery and Ryan O'Keefe should all return.
"That's what we're looking forward to next week, even though we were pretty close tonight, we were still missing five out of our starting 18, I guess," Longmire said.
Kieren Jack received a knock to the shin on Friday night, but Longmire said he was not badly hurt.
Essendon: 1.14.12 (105) - Nine-pointers: J Melksham. Goals: P Ryder 4, J Watson 2, M Hurley 2, S Crameri 2, T Colyer 2, H Hocking, J Melksham.
Sydney: 1.14.10 (103) - Nine-pointers: A Goodes. Goals: S Reid 4, G Rohan 2, H Cunningham 2, L Parker 2, A Everitt, A Goodes, L Jetta, M Seaby.
AAP
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australia First posted March 09, 2012 21:30:32
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