Round 8 – Essendon v Hawthorn: Bombers make the Wright statement

 

As my mate and I walked from the train at Southern Cross station we discussed the Bombers’ likely prospects in their match against the Hawks. For many Essendon supporters the start to season 2022 has been bitterly disappointing to say the least but importantly my view is you support your team through thick and thin.  As long they have a red, hot go  and make a game of the match we’d be pleased.

 

Making our way to Marvel Stadium an unnerving buzz and chat shattered the air around the concourse  as news filtered through the Bombers had five late withdrawals due to illness from the match.  Like many I was absolutely stunned, by the news.  Any likelihood of winning the match had gone out the door I felt as I checked the changes on my phone. The temptation to turn around and catch the next train back to Geelong was briefly considered then correctly discarded.

 

With my pie and chips safely in hand I settled into my seat to feed the hungry inner man in me. Naturally, the talk  around us was about the changes to the side and how it would affect the outcome of the game. I was dismayed, our miserable season had only got worse.

 

In times of adversity with your backs against the wall is a time that can bring out the best in players. Some of the replacements to side had something to prove to selectors .After being tried and tested in previous matches and found wanting they had been dropped back to the VFL to regain form or match practice. If they were to redeem themselves this was the opportunity to do it, and thankfully they did.

 

After a fairly even first half with scores see-sawing at times I felt the Bombers were in the game, and even when the Hawks’ lead crept out to nearly five goals I was quietly confident.

 

Peter Wright was starring and kicking goals, Parish and Merrett were getting the ball often and sending it into attack constantly. Hind was finding his run and carry from the backline, as was Redman, and the backline held firm. It was encouraging.

 

Nic Martin continues displaying the skills and footy nous of the future champion he will be. His foot and hand skills are immaculate and decisive. Hobbs is beginning to show the talent we know he has, and is improving each week as he gains experience and match time.

 

Not since 2012 has Essendon kicked 8 goals in a final quarter, and what a time to do it!

 

Wright was everywhere, marking and kicking goals. It was obvious he was spending more time further up the ground resulting in Hawks playing man on man rather than the two opponents he has to contend with playing from the square. As a result Francis and Baldwin provided extra targets up forward. Francis’ recall to the team was vindicated, his strong marking and 2 goals and his physical pressure added bite to the forward line. I sincerely hope he can cement a place in the team up forward. And Drapers’ last quarter was inspirational.

 

The noise of the Essendon supporters during the last quarter was the loudest I’d heard for a long time, and breaking into the team song at the end of the game was a joy to behold. Loud and passionate it resonated around Marvel Stadium.

 

I hope this is a turning point for our season, only time will tell, and Sydney next week.

 

ESSENDON             2.2       6.3       8.10       16.12 (108)
HAWTHORN          3.7       8.9       10.13     11.15 (81)

 

GOALS  
Essendon: Wright 6, Martin 2, Francis 2, Baldwin, Caldwell, Hobbs, Parish, Merrett, Perkins
Hawthorn: Gunston 2, Koschitzke 2, Lynch 2, Breust, MacDonald, Maginness, Moore, Morrison

 

BEST  
Essendon: Wright, Martin, Redman, Parish, Merrett, Hind, Hobbs
Hawthorn: Newcombe, O’Meara, Scrimshaw, Day, Morrison

 

INJURIES
Essendon: Shiel (leg)
Hawthorn: Nil 

 

LATE CHANGES
Essendon: Jordan Ridley, Jake Kelly, Matt Guelfi, Alec Waterman, Sam Durham (all illness) replaced in selected side by Brayden Ham, Kaine Baldwin, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Aaron Francis, Devon Smith
Hawthorn: Chad Wingard (illness) replaced in selected side by 

 

SUBSTITUTES
Essendon: Alastair Lord (unused)
Hawthorn: Liam Shiels (unused)