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It was a game filled with sub-plots as James Hird returned to coaching and was forced to do many of his moves from an iron dug-out in Morwell as he attempted to get a makeshift Bombers side – featuring 13 top-up players – over the line against St Kilda.
The match occurred with a controversial back-drop, however, as Essendon’s primary squad effectively played a practice game against Williamstown on Friday night, while four players from the Bombers’ 2012 list ended up being selected for this NAB Challenge match, despite the club previously saying none would be.
Despite all the drama, the game ended up being a relatively competitive affair, albeit one where the Saints always appeared in control before they blitzed their opposition with a six-goal final term.
For St Kilda, Leigh Montagna (27 possessions), Jarryn Geary (25) and Jack Steven (23) got plenty of the ball, although the result was soured somewhat for coach Alan Richardson as Seb Ross injured his hamstring.
The news on Sunday wasn't good for Ross either: "St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross is set to miss 10-12 weeks after sustaining a hamstring tear in Saturday’s NAB Challenge win over Essendon at Morwell," read a club statement.
"Scans on Sunday morning revealed a high grade injury to Ross’ left hamstring that will result in him missing the first part of the season.
"He is not expected to require surgery."
For the makeshift Bombers, Shaun Edwards and Jonathan Giles both scored three goals while Hird gave top-up defender and former Cat Mitch Brown a big wrap after an impressive Essendon debut that saw him take 10 marks and have six rebound 50s.