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ESSENDON has enjoyed a much-needed tune-up ahead of round one, thumping Greater Western Sydney by 91 points in the Bombers' final NAB Cup outing.

The Bombers had 13 goalkickers in the 1.16.14 (119) to 0.4.4 (28) win, and dominated every aspect of the game only two weeks from their season-opening meeting with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

James Hird's men had 157 more disposals, 20 more clearances, and sent the ball inside their forward 50 a staggering 34 more times than their younger and less experienced opponents at Manuka Oval on Friday night.

The only sour point for the Bombers seemed to be an ankle injury to star forward Michael Hurley in the last quarter.

Hurley, already with a strapped quad from last week, limped off the ground and received attention from the club's medical staff, but he did return later in the quarter and appeared unimpeded.

Ryder ready to rise: Hird

For most Bombers it was their last chance to prepare for the home and away campaign, with only a few players (including injured midfielder David Zaharakis) likely to take part in a VFL practice match next week.

But the result against the Giants was hardly a surprise considering the relative strength of the squads.  

Giants' tall forward pair Jonathon Patton and Jeremy Cameron didn't play, and first-choice players Dom Tyson, Chad Cornes, Jonathan Giles, Matt Buntine, Lachie Whitfield, Stephen Gilham, Devon Smith and Will Hoskin-Elliott were also missing.

Essendon made the most of its advantage. The Bombers got their hands on the ball more and used it as a strong opportunity to fine-tune their game plan.

Perhaps more importantly the Bombers will take a healthy dose of confidence from the Canberra trip after a disappointing loss to Richmond at Wangaratta last week.

Jobe Watson was prolific in his second game back from a minor knee injury, with last year's Brownlow medallist collecting 31 disposals in a best-on-ground showing.

Dyson Heppell also showed he has the tools to move permanently into the midfield this season with 21 possessions before being subbed off in the third quarter.

The forward line worked better. Just last week Hird admitted the structure of three tall targets – Hurley, Paddy Ryder and Stewart Crameri – could be susceptible if they were not working in sync.

Ryder was prominent against the Giants with 21 touches and three goals, while Hurley attacked the ball harder on the lead and appeared more comfortable as the game wore on, finishing with five marks.

There were few highlights for the Giants. Dylan Shiels sped away from a few packs and Sam Frost kicked two goals, but it was a much different side to the one which will take on the Sydney Swans on March 30.

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