Round 2 – Sydney v Essendon: Parish last quarter heroics
I can tell you it was a nail baiting nervous last few minutes sitting on the couch in Colac watching the footy this afternoon. Thankfully, through Darcy Parish’s heroics in the last quarter, the Bombers were able to hold onto the lead they had maintained all day to score a 6 point victory in their Round 2 match against the Swans at the SCG.
It was a pleasing result for the Bombers, and though I always thought they had the game within their control, when challenged, as often happened in the past they had a tendency to crumble under the pressure and succumb to their opposition to lose a close game, but not today. A good sign indeed!
A huge last quarter from Darcy Parish who up until then had had a very quiet game, and Zac Merrett continually winning the ball and placing it to the advantage of his team mates displayed the fire in their belly required to not allow the game to slip away from them. Merrett probably will feature in the umpires’ votes for today. Kyle Langford who has a tendency to be a scapegoat for supporters of poor Essendon performances in the past more than justified his position in the team suggesting he is finally displaying the potential the coaches have in him. Dylan Shiel racked up many possessions and along with Smith provided the necessary grunt and drive the team needed. Saad continues to display his mercurial form cutting off opposition forays forward to create attacking moves forward for the Dons. Ridley is quickly developing into a player of skill and composure and looked at ease down back.
Considering there were a lot of players down on form for the day makes the win even more meritorious. Snelling, Zaharakis, Townsend and Guelfi all had very quiet days and were really in-effective. McKernan needed the run but still kicked 3 goals as did Stringer, and Tippa struggled although he kicked 2 goals one resulting from a fantastic run down. 8 goals resulting from these three players from a total of fifteen kicks between them still made them dangerous.
With both Fantasia and McKenna to return to the side soon it will be exhilarating to see their added speed, run and carry they will bring to the team. The pressure is enormous for players to gain or retain their places in the team can only be an added bonus for Essendon and a selectors delight!
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
A good and well deserved win for your boys Col. The Bombers were more consistent over the match. My Swans did not show up until the second quarter when their intensity lifted. Though lots of soft turnovers and skill errors prevented us capitalising on any momentum shifts. A lack of height up forward left our scoring to the little fellows Papley and Taylor. Others were ineffective. Though some good signs … Florent was terrific in the middle. McInerney looks good. Kennedy and Parker continue to lead by example with Lloyd directing down back. And Rampe is a class above most especially when he stays away from the goal posts!
A fit and firing Franklin at one end and Daniher at the other would have significantly elevated this game to another level.
I like you Col, sat through a very nerve tingling last quarter. And what a great pressure kick from Darcy Parish in the last minute.