Bombers unearth more young talent against Dogs

Essendon may have unearthed a forward of the future with Kaine Baldwin kicking the winning goal against the Western Bulldogs to top off an impressive display from the rookie who was added to the list after two knee reconstructions cruelled his junior career.

The South Australian acquitted himself well in the air to add his name to the list of emerging Bombers who have shown glimpses of talent in the past 12 months. Tex Wanganeen also made strong claims to secure a rookie spot with two goals in the final term while Archie Perkins and Nik Cox continued on from where they left off last season.

Tex Wanganeen (left) sparked the Bombers in the final quarter.Credit:Getty Images

Both teams were close to full strength with just three players missing from the Bulldogs’ grand final team, making it an encouraging effort from the Bombers to eventually prevail 12.9 (81) to 11.8 (74).

Neither side suffered injuries, with the Bulldogs appearing to have the depth of talent to challenge for a top-four spot, a position they are yet to achieve, remarkably, at the end of the home-and-away season under Luke Beveridge.

The Dogs’ defence will be stiffened when Alex Keath returns, while their ruck situation is likely to remain a subject of debate in 2022.

Forward presence: Kaine Baldwin.Credit:Getty Images

THE NEW KIDS
Bulldogs draftee Arthur Jones played in the second half and was impressive, his athleticism and skills standing out. It will be hard for him to break in to the team but he did not look out of place gliding across the ground. Nick Martin dropped a chest mark soon after coming on for Essendon at half-time, before settling into his role on the wing. But the biggest roar of the day came in the final quarter when Wanganeen broke a tackle and kicked a long goal to stake his claim for a spot on the list. Baldwin looks to have a future, with the rookie’s marking ability impressive while Ben Hobbs can find the ball, but a costly turnover near the end of the match was a reminder that winning possession is just one part of the equation.

Arthur Jones was lively for the Bulldogs.Credit:Getty Images

THE COACHES’ BOX
Both teams are attempting to refine a style of play that has, in the Bulldogs’ case, taken them close to a flag while the Bombers are trending upwards under Ben Rutten. Andrew McGrath played across half-back, the position he starred in during his first season with the Bombers, but he is likely to pinch-hit in the midfield. The Bulldogs have pushed Ed Richards back where he looks best suited after a couple of frustrating seasons, while Josh Schache has found his spot in defence.

Sam Draper battles Bulldog Tim English in the ruck.Credit:Getty Images

WHO STOOD OUT
Jordan Ridley took the mark of the day over his high-flying opponent Aaron Naughton in the third quarter. The defender showed his aerial skills floating across the Bulldogs’ key forwards to halt several attacks. Archie Perkins shows no signs his progress will slow as he played the high half-forward role well. The Bulldogs had the usual suspects in Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore dominating around the ball. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was quiet as he starts his second campaign after a solid pre-season.

WHO’S MISSING
Essendon remain hopeful Jake Stringer will be available for round one as he overcomes groin soreness while Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti remains out for the foreseeable future. The Bulldogs were without Bailey Smith (groin) and Keath (back) on Wednesday however both should be right for round one. Recruit Tim O’Brien may miss after suffering a hamstring injury in the intra-club.

WHAT’S NEXT
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Marvel Stadium, Friday, March 4, 7.20pm
Essendon v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium, Saturday, March 5, 7.10 pm

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