1. Playing an expansion club doesn’t mean that club is starting from scratch. Essendon did an excellent job in the off-season, attracting the likes of bonafide AFLW stars Maddy Prespaskis (Carlton), Stephanie Cain (Fremantle), Georgia Gee (Carlton) and Bonnie Toogood (Western Bulldogs). They also have some accomplished and mature VFLW players around them and look capable of playing finals in their first season.

2. The Eagles defence leaked too many goals and that will undoubtedly be a focus during the week. The Bombers moved the ball with speed and skill, so the issue is around team defence, rather than just the back five. The Eagles tightened things up in the second half, but conceding nine goals before the break was a problem. The inside 50 count was relatively even at 32-29, but Essendon went at a remarkable 59% scoring efficiency from those opportunities.

05:57

AFLW Rd 3 highlights v Bombers

The Eagles and Bombers clash in round three of the 2022 NAB AFL Women's Competition at Mineral Resources Park

3. Eagles coach Michael Prior shuffled things around a little in an effort to quell the Essendon assault in the first half, throwing star forward Aimee Schmidt behind the ball. But the Bombers run and carry continued to be an issue combined with the attacking skills of Stephanie Wales, Paige Scott and Prespakis.

4. Eagles captain Emma Swanson could have done no more to lift her team, setting a wonderful example with her commitment and drive out of the middle. She combined with Sarah Lakay to help win some ball from stoppages and when Prior shuffled the magnets, sending Dana Hooker forward in the second half there was a more balanced line-up. Bella Lewis and Schmidt also wielded a stronger influence in the second half when the Eagles enjoyed better field position.

01:08

Roberts post-match v Essendon

We spoke to Ella Roberts after tonight's loss to the Dons

5. While Swanson, in particular, led the charge as she called on all of her experience, first-year utility player Ella Roberts also produced an eye-catching performance. Playing forward and through the midfield Roberts also took a few ruck contests forward of centre. She took a couple of strong marks and used her 17 possessions (nine kicks and eight handballs) to good effect. Courtney Rowley, Charlie Thomas and Mikayla Western were other youngsters to impress.