Round 16 – Essendon v Sydney: Sweet Revenge!

 

 

Chatting about the footy to pass the time on the slow train to the MCG, my grandson Ben asked me if I thought the Bombers would win against Sydney. Ever confident – I like to provide a positive and optimistic attitude in front of my grandchildren, I said yes but deep down I thought it was a big ask considering the thrashing the Swans gave us six weeks ago.

 

It was a magnificent day for footy at the MCG, and it was good to be at a match played at the traditional time on a Saturday afternoon. Blue sunny skies, though some cloud rolled in and out at times, hardly a breath of wind made ideal conditions for footy.

 

The Swans were quick off the mark with Tom Papley’s goal, which was achieved far too easily I thought and exposed the perceived weaknesses of the Essendon backline. The Swans movement off the ball was leaving the Bombers flat footed and the signs were ominous.

 

Heppell’s goal gave some respite and settled the team down. Also, getting the ball out of the middle was important, and when we were able to do that we were threatening at times.

 

There was a lot more desperation and pressure in the Bombers’ game this week particularly not giving the ball up when in our possession which we have been prone to do far too easily in the past.

 

Our lack of talls down back, as many pundits suggested, would be a concern for the Dons, and the ease Buddy and others marked or received the ball highlighted this factor especially early on in the game.

 

So, how did we win?

 

Firstly, I think the team had confidence in one another in their ability to win the match.

 

Merrett playing mainly forward, kicking three goals was very creative there and from centre bounces.

 

Zerk-Thatcher played his best game for the Bombers. His performance may have turned the corner for him to cement a permanent place in the team. He backed himself with his decision making, his marking, spoiling, and attack on the ball was fantastic. He played like a man possessed. And, I think he should continue wearing long sleeves in the future!

 

Massimo D’Ambrosio has been an inspired mid-year draft selection. He displays a cool head and maturity way beyond his years, his foot skills are exemplary, and he knows where to be.

 

Of course there is Jake Stringer. His consecutive goals at a crucial point in the game had Ben and myself leaping from our seats in ecstasy. Inspirational, lifting his team mates to higher levels.

 

Sam Durham played forward for most of the game and relished the freedom of the position. His toughness at winning the ball was a highlight of his game. Peter Wright was threatening as always but with the added support and options of Jones, Stringer, and Langford on the forward line Essendon had more options to kick to.

 

Jones, Snelling, and Langford all have missed major portions of the season through injury and as they amass more game time they will exert even further influence on games for the Bombers in upcoming matches.

 

Have we turned the corner? I’d like to hope so, but this win is probably our best win for a long time. Hopefully it instils that winning feeling into the team.

 

ESSENDON         2.2       7.2       9.3       15.5 (95)
SYDNEY              5.2       7.6       9.14     12.14 (86)

 

 

GOALS  
Essendon: Merrett 3, Stringer 2, Wright 2, Durham, Heppell, Jones, Hobbs, Kelly, Hind, Redman, Langford
Sydney: Warner 3, Franklin 2, Reid 2, Heeney 2, Hayward, Papley, Mills

 

 

BEST  
Essendon: Merrett, Hind, Heppell, D’Ambrosio, Redman, Kelly, Wright, Stringer
Sydney: Warner, Parker, Papley, Franklin, Gulden

 

 

INJURIES
Essendon: None
Sydney: None

 

 

SUBSTITUTES
Essendon: Andrew Phillips (unused)
Sydney: Ryan Clarke (unused)

 

My votes:

3: Zach Merrett

2: Mason Redman

1: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

 

 

 

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