In the last quarter, Essendon pulls away to defeat West Coast by a score of thirty points.
A convincing 30-point victory over a competitive West Coast team on Sunday afternoon has improved ESSENDON’s prospects of finishing in the top four.
The enthusiastic audience erupted in applause as veteran Dyson Heppell’s sealer put the Bombers ahead 19.8 (122) to 13.14 (92) inside Marvel Stadium.
BOMBERS v EAGLESÂ Full match coverage and stats
The Eagles had strong stretches in the latter half of the first and third quarters, which kept them close to Essendon. However, they were ultimately unable to control the deficit, striking equal goals from 16 scores in the second half.
Jake Stringer scored five goals as a result of spending time in both the midfield and the forward line, and Sam Durham was unstoppable for the Bombers. Durham’s two-way running efforts created multiple opportunities for his forwards and caused the Eagles a lot of headaches with 29 disposals, 5 clearances, and a goal.
A late replacement for Todd Goldstein, Nate Caddy (managed) also ignited Essendon’s offense inside the fifty with two goals in just two games thanks to his ambitious leap.
When the opposition decided to move the ball quickly, it created up defensive opportunities for both sides. When the Eagles cut through end-to-end, the usually resolute Essendon backline found itself rattled and disorganized early on, but as the game progressed, it became more stressful.
West Coast, on the other hand, was guilty of letting Essendon midfielders move forward into space without having a direct rival to contend with. Often starting in the middle, Stringer and Durham would surge forward to take advantage of the Eagles’ midfielders’ inattention.
The host team was able to score well-executed kicks down the hallway because the Eagles were too frequently drawn in large numbers to the ball carrier. The Bombers’ structured approach, which consistently kept the layers surrounding the game in balance and provided multiple routes for the ball carrier to take, made the shift easier.
The significant influence of Essendon’s wing rotation, which included Harrison Jones (14 disposals, 6 marks), Nik Cox (nine disposals, 6 tackles), and Xavier Duursma (20 disposals, 1 goal), was also apparent. In addition to being destructive when they advanced, the three frequently supported the Bombers’ rear.
West Coast was slowed down by concentration lapses, and the Bombers were sure to score a lot in those areas—three goals in the final four minutes of the second quarter, to be exact.
The Eagles had some true dynamism when it came to ball winners during the game. Reuben Ginbey’s efforts to lessen Merrett’s impact added a physical element, while Liam Ryan’s ability to clear the ball out in front of the stoppage proved detrimental. Ellie Yeo and Liam Duggan, who were consistent performers with 20 disposals, seven clearances, and one goal each, were a constant presence.
With all teams now out of their bye, Essendon leads the standings by six points as a result of the outcome.
A handy first goal
Nate Caddy was chosen with choice No. 10 in the AFL draft of the previous year, but he has had to wait for his chance. Just Caddy’s second game at the highest level, it was a late addition for a managed Todd Goldstein. But during the second quarter, he had his chance to take center stage. Matt Guelfi gave Caddy a handball deep in his right forward pocket, which he calmly steadied before hitting into his left boot. The crowd, which was mostly Bombers, was kept in suspense as the ball flew high until the goal was officially declared, at which point Caddy and his teammates celebrated appropriately. It’s not a horrible way to kick your AFL debut goal.
ESSENDON 10.4, 14.5, 19.8, and 4.2 (122)
West Coast 4.3.2.6.5.10.11.10 13.14 (92)
SCORES
Essendon: Durham, Duursma, Heppell, Hind, Stringer 5, Caddy 2, Guelfi 2, Langford 2, Wright 2, Merrett
West Coast: Allen 2, Cripps 2, Darling 2, Petruccelle 2, Chesser, Yeo; Waterman 3, Yeo
LATE SUBS
Essendon: Todd Goldstein was replaced by Nate Caddy in the chosen side.
West Coast: 0
SUBSTITUTES
Jye Menzie of Essendon (who took Nik Cox’s place in the fourth quarter)
West Coast: Jack Hutchinson (in the fourth quarter, Ryan Maric was replaced).
Attendance at Marvel Stadium: TBC
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