Gold Coast vs Essendon: AFL live scores, blog
Columnist By Cameron Rose, 14 Apr 2012 Cameron Rose is a Roar Expert
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- AFL, Essendon Bombers, Gold Coast Suns, live blog
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Essendon at the 2011 NAB Cup (Slattery Images)
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Gold Coast Suns and Essendon clash at Metricon Stadium with the home side looking to register their first win of the season, and the visitors to avoid their first loss. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.40pm AEST.
The Suns will be approaching this fixture determined to win back some respect, after an effort last week against St Kilda that can only be described as pathetic.
This followed a lacklustre performance in round one against Adelaide, so they must be looking to atone.
Also motivating them should be the embarrassment that took place against the Bombers in round six last year, conceding fifteen goals in the first quarter before going on to lose by 139 points.
Almost all have been mesmerized by the feats of Gary Ablett in the first two weeks, and no less a figure than dual premiership teammate Cameron Mooney was unequivocally in the affirmative when asked if the Gold Coast skipper has raised his game to a whole new level.
Fans, media and opposition have lauded his feats in gathering over 40 possessions and kicking a couple of goals in each match, but the problem has been that his teammates have looked more like spectators themselves, rather than fellow professionals and competitors.
Only David Swallow could hold his head high alongside the 2009 Brownlow Medalist, fighting hard to win plenty of football and leading the Suns’ tackle count at the same time.
I blogged the Gold Coast game last week and put the acid on talented youngsters Aaron Hall and Harley Bennell to get more involved physically, but they didn’t respond.
To this group can be added ex-Bulldog Jarrod Harbrow – between the three of them, they have laid five tackles in the two matches so far.
And while all three would be considered ‘outside’ players, it is incumbent upon them to get their hands dirty, and apply more pressure than they are currently doing.
Coach Guy McKenna is going through a dark period, working under the question mark of whether he’ll receive a new contract before the year is out, and many want him judged on the greater defensive presence of his young charges.
So far it has been non-existent, but they get their chance to turn this around tonight.
Essendon fans, on the other hand, have appointed teen boy-band One Direction as their mascots, believing their name signifies the only way the Bombers are going. As the club theme song suggests, it’s up.
This is the last in a ‘soft’ opening treble for the Dons, starting the season playing three teams ranked below them and out of the finals last year.
Record a win here, as they surely will, and they’ll reside in the upper echelon of the ladder with a confidence boosting 3-0 next to their name.
The Bombers had to work hard and played well in round one against North, and were happy to get the result last week as injuries started to take their toll in the game against Port.
Rumours had Brent Stanton being treated for leather poisoning early this week, such have been his ball winning exploits so far in 2012, and he’s been ably supported as would be expected by captain Jobe Watson.
Leroy Jetta has provided spark and goals in the front half, while the rejuvenated Courtney Dempsey is showing no ill effects from his knee reconstruction from last year, and seems to have come back a more poised player in the backline.
Paddy Ryder looks to have taken the step closer to the elite bracket that many have been hoping for, while Michael Hurley has yet to taking games apart despite promising to do so. Essendon will only be better when he does, and it could be tonight.
Time for a prediction then. Gold Coast have only kicked 17 goals this year, and Campbell Brown has four of them, so he’ll be missed, although this may be offset by the return of Nathan Bock.
He looked a presence up forward in the NAB Cup, but there’s no telling whether he’ll play forward or back.
No club will say so publically, but the middle tier of 6-8 teams expected to push for finals will be looking at these games against the expansion clubs as percentage boosters, an element which may prove crucial when it comes to securing eighth spot at the end of the year, or even a home final.
Essendon won’t be taking a backward step, and I don’t see that the Suns have much in the way of arsenal to stop them. Bombers by 70 points.
Join me here on The Roar and offer up any questions or comments you may have during the live blog, which begins about half an hour before the first bounce, at 7.40pm AEST.
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Cameron Rose is a born and bred Melbournian, raised on a regime of AFL, cricket and horse racing. He likes people who agree with him but loves those that don't, for in his mind there is nothing better than a roaring debate. He tweets from @camtherose.
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The Crowd Says (99) | Page 1 of Comments
The Roar Live Blog: Latest comments displayed at the top of the page | Click here to jump to leave a comment
Have Your Say
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- AFL, Essendon Bombers, Gold Coast Suns, live blog
10:29pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:29pm | Report comment
It’s been a pleasure to bring you this game on behalf of The Roar, and we can only hope that any more involving the Gold Coast create that level of excitement from now on.
Have a good night!
12:13am
ManInBlack said | 12:13am | Report comment
looking at the TV guide this afternoon I pondered what I’d do instead of watching the FTA game tonight. That certainly changed – a credit to the Suns for really clawing back and making a game of it. Compare to what Essendon did to them last year (granted at Etihad). The Suns will still struggle for consistancy, will for now still mostly be pinching games – but, clearly they aren’t as bad as they showed last week.
10:28pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:28pm | Report comment
At the end of the day, the Bombers are 3-0 and the Suns 0-3, but this game was anything but a cut and dried affair.
The Bombers have a huge two weeks in front of them, playing Carlton next Saturday, followed by Collingwood the following Wednesday. Such are the travails of the Anzac Day clash. If they are anything but 3-2 after that, then they’ll be well pleased and think of themselves as deserving of finals. They’ll need to lift significantly on tonights effort to trouble the Blues though.
Gold Coast will use tonight’s match as a platform upon which to build more competitive efforts. The Q-Clash is next week, and that could be a ripper, as the Lions are coming off a trip to Perth.
10:24pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:24pm | Report comment
Essendon chairs off Dustin Fletcher, and the Suns form a guard of honour in a wonderful touch.
The 350 game veteran was influential late in proceedings, and he’s as hard to get past as he ever has been.
10:22pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:22pm | Report comment
GOALS
Essendon: Crameri 4, Jetta, Hurley, Watson, Ryder 2, Davey, Bellchambers, Reimers 1
Gold Coast: Hall, Ablett, Bock 2, Matera, Harbrow, Brennan, Shaw, Russell, Rischitelli, Caddy 1
DISPOSALS
Essendon: Monfries 28, Watson 25, Hibberd 25, Jetta 24, Howlett 24, Pears 24
Gold Coast: Ablett 44, Swallow 23, Tape 21
10:20pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:20pm | Report comment
The Bombers won’t necessarily win any admirer’s out of the game, but they’re 3-0 after three rounds so they’ll be happy enough to escape with victory.
They were able to dig deep when required, and Watson was a key to that.
10:18pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:18pm | Report comment
What a game it turned out to be, and this should be the Suns base performance going forward. A plucky determined effort, but they ultimately fell short despite the 44 possession heroics of Gary Ablett.
10:21pm
SurferDon said | 10:21pm | Report comment
Yes, the Suns showed a lot of terrier here, good signs for the future! But … The Bombers needed that. Nice Suns tribute to Fletch
10:17pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:17pm | Report comment
FULL TIME
ESSENDON 15.15.105 def GOLD COAST 13.10.88
10:17pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:17pm | Report comment
Suns still persisting, and Bock finds Lynch, who in turn flicks it to McKenzie to see if he can unleash. He can’t, but Matera puts some pressure on to win a free, but only a behind results.
GC 13.10.88
Ess 15.15.105
20 secs to go 4th Quarter
10:15pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:15pm | Report comment
Brennan has given away some untimely frees and he does so again. Crameri pumps it long, and Jetta soccers one out of mid air, a spark of inspiration deep in the last that will win them the game.
GC 13.9.87
Ess 15.15.105
1 to go 4th Quarter
10:14pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:14pm | Report comment
Hurley gives away a free to Warnock, and they need to attack from here.
Bock mareks and can only kick long. The only man there is Fletcher, and he will not let anything past in his 350th.
GC 13.9.87
Ess 14.15.99
2 to go 4th Quarter
10:13pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:13pm | Report comment
Swallow again to try to perform heroics, and once again Fletcher lunges close to the goal line and rushes a behind.
Not long to go, do the Suns have enough energy left to pressure the Bombers?
GC 13.9.87
Ess 14.15.99
3 to go 4th Quarter
10:11pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:11pm | Report comment
David Swallow runs onto a loose ball, but puts it out of bounds on the full.
Bombers building through Monfries and Jetta, and Zaharakis misses from 50m.
GC 13.8.86
Ess 14.15.99
4 to go 4th Quarter
10:13pm
SurferDon said | 10:13pm | Report comment
Dons home, but well done Suns.
10:10pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:10pm | Report comment
Is there enough time? The Suns need a goal right quick, but McKenzie misses after Ablett gets three more touches in a minute, he is doing everything humanly possible.
GC 13.8.86
Ess 14.14.98
5 to go 4th Quarter
10:08pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:08pm | Report comment
Ryder and Heppell combine to clear to Jetta, and he in turn gets it to Hocking, but Prestia applies great pressure to force the turnover.
Stanton wins it again to push it forward, and the ball is now out of bounds. Tired people everywhere, and no less so than Ablett, who has worked so hard it has been unbelievable.
Monfries wins a free 45m out, and he can all but ice the game. In the meantime, Jobe Watson is throwing up what seems to be 200 litres of blue Powerade.
Monfries pulls it savagely, and it doesn’t make the distance.
GC 13.7.85
Ess 14.14.98
6 to go 4th Quarter
10:05pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:05pm | Report comment
Fletcher bombs it forward, but the Suns resist for the moment. It’s still all Essendon though, Pears goes long, and then Stanton gets involved forward.
Fraser pushes back to help clear it, and as Shaw tries to run onto a loose ball, the 350 gamer comes from nowhere to spoil, diving and thumping it out of bounds!
GC 13.7.85
Ess 14.14.98
8 to go 4th Quarter
10:03pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:03pm | Report comment
Hard to see the Suns getting all the way back, especially now that Essendon are dominating possession again. Watson has lifted as a captain should.
Crameri is crashed into by Lynch, and will take a free inside 50.
He pushes it, and a behind results.
GC 13.7.85
Ess 14.14.98
10 to go 4th Quarter
10:01pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:01pm | Report comment
Quickly the Dons respond, and Davey runs into an open goal direct from the centre clearance. He’s been lively.
GC 13.7.85
Ess 14.13.97
11 to go 4th Quarter
10:00pm
Cameron Rose said | 10:00pm | Report comment
Bombers on top now, and one more will see the spirit of the Suns sapped.
Heppell and Watson combine to go forward, but Rischitelli finds McKenzie who booms it 70m and Shaw runs onto it and makes no mistake! Great response, they’re not done yet!
GC 13.7.85
Ess 13.13.91
12 to go 4th Quarter
9:58pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:58pm | Report comment
Wow, Hunt has put down Monfries with a huge, well-timed shirt front! Massive hit.
In the meantime, the dangerous Jetta finds Ryder 35m out. The Bombers do have more options, and Ryder puts it through brilliantly, snapping from 45m on the boundary if you don’t mind!
GC 12.7.79
Ess 13.13.91
12 to go 4th Quarter
9:56pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:56pm | Report comment
Can the Suns respond? Have they got the mental strength and physical capability to respond?
Ablett wins first possession, but the Suns can’t make the most of it. GC fans think the umps are against them, and the atmosphere is electric.
Suns chipping it around their backline, trying to keep control and play some tempo footy. It doesn’t work, and Lynch puts it out on the full.
GC 12.7.79
Ess 12.13.85
14 to go 4th Quarter
9:53pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:53pm | Report comment
Bombers on top early in this quarter, as expected from experienced opposition who have their eyes on finals.
Deep in the Dons forward line, plenty of bodies around, and we have a third stoppage.
Watson clears, and once again Crameri finds the ball, and the goals. I said that he was the one they needed to keep quiet, and they’ve been unable to do so.
GC 12.7.79
Ess 12.13.85
16 to go 4th Quarter
9:51pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:51pm | Report comment
Suns press forward now, and they’ll be keen to respond to show that they’re not done.
Dons repel through Hocking and Watson, but Ablett is there again, and finds Hall, who continues to impress. Bock gives away a free though, and the Bombers sweep it up again to find Hurley.
Once more, he kicks from just outside 50, but this time he pulls it.
Scores level!
GC 12.7.79
Ess 11.13.79
17 to go 4th Quarter
9:49pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:49pm | Report comment
Bombers go forward immediately after a Hunt free kick against.
Hurley marks, and will kick from 52m out on a 45 degree angle.
He looks a big moment performer, and he kicks it!
GC 12.7.79
Ess 11.12.78
19 to go 4th Quarter
9:47pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:47pm | Report comment
Plenty to happen here, and the Bombers are going to need all of their skill and composure. Gold Coast have shown that they have a taste for it tonight, and like a dog on a bone, will be unwilling to let it go.
Ablett will need to continue on his way and maybe find another goal for himself as well. McKenzie as the fresh legs and huge left boot will also be vital.
Watson needs a bigger quarter, he’ll be disappointed with the lack of quality stoppage work from his men.
9:44pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:44pm | Report comment
DISPOSALS
Gold Coast: Ablett 33, Swallow 17, Tape, Prestia 16
Essendon: Monfries 22, Howlett 21, Watson 19
9:43pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:43pm | Report comment
GOALS
Gold Coast: Hall, Ablett, Bock 2, Harbrow, Brennan, Matera, Russell, Rischitelli, Caddy 1
Essendon: Crameri 3, Watson 2, Jetta, Bellchambers, Hurley, Ryder, Reimers 1
9:41pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:41pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME
Gold Coast: 12.7.79
Essendon 10.12.72
9:41pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:41pm | Report comment
There’s a secondary stoppage after the Watson goal.
Another ball up as tired bodies are crashing in on top of the ball and each other.
Suns are desperately trying to prevent another score from the Dons, and they’ll succeed.
GC 12.7.79
Ess 9.12.72
10 secs to go 3rd Quarter
9:38pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:38pm | Report comment
Hunt wins the clearance, finds Ablett who uses Harbrow, but the Bombers are pushing them back. The Suns show composure and McKenzie finds bock who is doing it at both ends. The ball goes out of bounds as the Suns press forward again.
Ball inside 50 for Gold Coast. Fraser takes it out, but it is chopped off. Bombers go down the other end, and Watson roves Hurley’s crumbs and goals. Two for the Essendon skipper.
GC 12.7.79
Ess 9.12.72
2 to go 3rd Quarter
9:36pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:36pm | Report comment
Gee the intensity is lifting again, the Bombers are angry now, unable to understand why they are being challenged. Effort boys, effort!
Suns under pressure deep in their backline, and they concede a behind. They run it the length of the ground, taking the game on, and Hall gets on the end of a pass.
Hall kicks it straight through!!
GC 12.7.79
Ess 9.12.66
3 to go 3rd Quarter
9:40pm
SurferDon said | 9:40pm | Report comment
Crikey, Suns look pumped. Bombers shell shocked. Hard to see the Bombers getting back into this if the Suns can keep up the intensity.
9:45pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:45pm | Report comment
Intensity is the key word, and we ask again, where has it been! Bombers will come out firing here, but will it be enough? Do the Suns believe they can win?
9:33pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:33pm | Report comment
Tough, tense quarter so far. Suns being honest, Bombers unable to flick the switch to put them away.
Rischitelli runs into an open goal, after an Ablett tackle causes a spillage.
Suns by 8!
GC 11.7.73
Ess 9.11.65
5 to go 3rd Quarter
Huge five minutes to come here, young sides are often vulnerable late in quarters.
9:32pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:32pm | Report comment
Another clearance to the Suns, but Prestia’s ball sees a free kick given away, and Fraser gives away 50m. Disappointing, and the Bombers go forward again.
Still just lacking a bit of composure, the Gold Coast, and this may prove telling. No one can doubt that they are the more willing side tonight.
Hibberd finds Ryder who is getting a bit more involved. Ryder finds Hurley, and the young Bomber 18 can only kick it out of bounds.
After two early quarter goals, Bock has been moved back to stiffen the defence. A wonderful inclusion, and a welcome one.
Harbrow misses after being put into space by Hall.
GC 10.7.67
Ess 9.11.65
6 to go 3rd Quarter
9:28pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:28pm | Report comment
Suns are not just matching the Dons, they’re well on top, still dominating clearances and setting up well defensively.
Ball in Suns 50, and 30 players are around the ball. Ablett wins the hard ball and sets up Smith whose snap goes out on the full.
Davey runs the ball up the other end, using every bit of speed, and he sees Crameri alone in the goal square. No mistake from there and the dangerous Bomber forward has three.
GC 10.6.66
Ess 9.11.65
8 to go 3rd Quarter
9:25pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:25pm | Report comment
McKenzie on for the Suns, and we’ll see if his booming left boot can have some impact in these greasy conditions. Sam Day off.
Suns pressure has lifted a cog, where was this team in the first two weeks?? Ablett is tireless, and is laying tackle after tackle.
McKenzie gets the ball straight away, and is put down after disposing. The down the ground free goes to Josh Fraser, and he’s 35m out, in front.
He just pulls it, and the crowd groans…
GC 10.6.66
Ess 8.11.59
10 to go 3rd Quarter
9:22pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:22pm | Report comment
Suns look up and about again after Bock’s two in a row, they were fractionally flat early this quarter.
Russell runs onto an open ball in the square after some nifty work by Matera.
Three in a row to the Suns and they’re 6 points clear!
GC 10.5.65
Ess 8.11.59
12 to go 3rd Quarter
9:21pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:21pm | Report comment
Jake Carlisle looks to have calf problems, the Dons have had their share of injury troubles this year. Will he be able to return?
The Suns break and Bock streams inside 50 with no one in front of him, he snaps on his left and it skids through!!!
GC 9.5.59
Ess 8.11.59
13 to go 3rd Quarter
Often happens when a team dominates but doesn’t score, the other one does with one entry.
9:19pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:19pm | Report comment
Now it’s the Bombers turn to respond, and Zaharakis gets involved, what a disappointment he’s been tonight.
Stanton has also been quiet by his standards, and he’s one of many who’ll be looking to do better this half.
The last minute or two has been spent in the Dons half, but they can’t quite seal the deal at this stage.
GC 8.5.53
Ess 8.11.59
14 to go 3rd Quarter
9:16pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:16pm | Report comment
Ablett reads the Bellchambers palm, and burst from the centre. A scrap ensues and then Caddy puts it up high to Bock who takes a magnificent one hander deep!!!
He snaps the goal, and the Suns bite back!
GC 8.5.53
Ess 8.11.59
15 to go 3rd Quarter
9:14pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:14pm | Report comment
The ball stays trapped deep in the Dons forward line. Hurley tried to create some magic, to no avail, and Watson gets caught holding the ball, a rarity for that man.
Hocking continues to niggle at Ablett.
Brennan makes a silly tackle on Jetta. Jetta kicks truly from 50m, and they’ll be happy to have the first goal of the half.
GC 7.5.47
Ess 8.11.59
16 to go 3rd Quarter
9:11pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:11pm | Report comment
Suns need to keep Crameri quiet, he’s been involved in a lot of scores for the Bombers.
We resume, and Ablett gets the first touch again! Rischitelli clears and it goes deep, but Hocking cuts off the Hall centering ball.
Ablett’s had three touches already, but Dyson sets up Pears who finds Davey. He hits the post.
GC 7.5.47
Ess 7.11.53
18 to go 3rd Quarter
8:59pm
SurferDon said | 8:59pm | Report comment
Interesting … The only stat the Suns are winning is the tackle count. And it shows. They are all over the Bombers. Youthful exuberance, it will be impressive if they can keep the pressure up for the second half. If they ease up it could be more of the first quarter. Good game for the Suns, the Bombers would be very disappointed.
9:01pm
Cameron Rose said | 9:01pm | Report comment
They’re also in front in Rebound 50′s, 19-15.
The inside 50 count is 26-22 Essendon’s way, and the Suns wouldn’t have been that close very often in a half of football, if at all.
9:14pm
Milz said | 9:14pm | Report comment
What’s a rebound 50?
8:58pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:58pm | Report comment
Essendon have long been accused of arrogance, and watching them tonight it’s hard to shake that tag. After getting four goals up half way through through the first quarter, the Bombers seemed to think that they’d done enough and could coast to a ten goal victory.
But if you don’t respect any opponent at this level, then it can come back to bite you.
The Suns used the reprieve, and attacked the contest with renewed vigour, led of course by Ablett, but also Karmichel Hunt. The latter was elevated to the leadership group over summer, and he’s showing why tonight. He’s attacked it hard, and has taken chances.
We’d have to think Essendon will regroup and come out harder, surely James Hird will be giving them a fearful spray, so the Suns will have to double their efforts.
Looking forward to the second half!
8:52pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:52pm | Report comment
GOALS
Gold Coast: Ablett 2, Hall, Brennan, Matera, Harbrow, Caddy 1
Essendon: Crameri 2, Bellchambers, Watson, Hurley, Ryder, Reimers 1
DISPOSALS
Gold Coast: Ablett 20, Brennan, Prestia, Matera 11
Essendon: Watson 17, Howlett 15, Hibberd 14
9:02pm
SurferDon said | 9:02pm | Report comment
Ablett, has 96 Dreamteam points at half time. Surely a record. Will he get to 200?
8:50pm
The Cattery said | 8:50pm | Report comment
Looks like I’ve got the dud game, can I let mine go and watch this one!!
8:53pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:53pm | Report comment
Haha, i’m not checking scores of your game, watching the replay after this!!!!
8:54pm
Milz said | 8:54pm | Report comment
Which one r u watching Cat?
8:49pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:49pm | Report comment
HALF TIME
Gold Coast 7.5.47
Essendon 7.10.52
Great quarter from the Suns, they dominated clearances and were much cleaner with possession.
8:47pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:47pm | Report comment
The Suns looking to go in ahead at half time, an unthinkable scenario half an hour ago.
Bombers go in long, and from the Bellchambers contest, Hurley runs onto the spillage, and into the open goal. He finishes no problems.
GC 7.5.47
Ess 7.10.52
1 to go 2nd Quarter
8:50pm
SurferDon said | 8:50pm | Report comment
Phew … This has been a hot quarter .. Bombers look slow, lost their game plan. Suns are quick, sharp and terriers tonite. Well done Suns. Maybe some in the southern media will need to rethink theit criticisms of the “easybeats”
8:54pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:54pm | Report comment
It’s all about application, and finally the Suns are showing it. I watched them fully in the first two rounds, and they are a different side tonight.
8:45pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:45pm | Report comment
Bombers rattled now, and are having trouble using their skills to move forward. Heppell moves it forward, but the spoil is made, and Matera wins a free at half back.
Even Josh Fraser is looking dangerous up forward now, turning back the clock. As I write that, he kicks it out on the full. That could prove costly.
GC 7.5.47
Ess 6.10.46
2 to go 2nd Quarter
8:43pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:43pm | Report comment
Ablett gets put down by Hocking late, and the umpire has none of it. Frustration showing by the Bombers tagger, not pleased at his teams inability to put this game away.
Prestia has been finding the ball as usual, Zaharakis yet to have a touch this quarter for the Dons, a poor effort from the Essendon best and fairest winner.
Harbrow snaps from a pack situation and it’s good! Gold Coast in front!! Huge quarter!!
GC 7.5.47
Ess 6.10.46
4 to go 2nd Quarter
8:40pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:40pm | Report comment
The match has evened up now, and it’s easy to forget we’re not watching an expansion team, proving very competitive, and they’re taking the game on with confidence now.
Plenty of shots at goal at either end, but hard to find marks deep.
Hunt has been involved in making his presence felt, getting touches as well.
GC 6.5.41
Ess 6.10.46
6 to go 2nd Quarter
8:37pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:37pm | Report comment
Ablett back into the centre after that goal, and he gets another clearance.
Hall snaps again, proving dangerous, but only a minor score.
The rain has arrived, and in heavy fashion, which should continue to make for an exciting contest.
Warnock turns it over lazily in the centre square, but it doesn’t cost, Bellchambers can only find the behinds from a kick off the ground.
GC 6.5.41
Ess 6.9.45
8 to go 2nd Quarter
8:35pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:35pm | Report comment
Suns dominating clearances now, Watson, Stanton and co have been asleep.
Ablett marks inside 50, and from the boundary he kicks his second for the quarter! What a player, what a man.
GC 6.4.40
Ess 6.8.44
9 to go 2nd Quarter
8:33pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:33pm | Report comment
Suns go again from the centre, Rischitelli involved, who’s been quiet.
It doesn’t work, Jetta and Davey combine and Crameri is dangerous again inside 50 for Essendon. He marks, and goals from point blank range.
A steadier for the visitors.
GC 5.4.34
Ess 6.8.44
10 to go 2nd Quarter
8:32pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:32pm | Report comment
Dons took the foot off late in the first, and are finding it hard to wrest back the momentum.
They win the clearance though, and the ball is inside Dons 50. Lots of short hands from the Suns trying to clear, and Hunt is involved in plenty. He sets it up through Matera, and Gold Coast go forward again. Fletcher makes an uncharacteristic mistake, and Matera kicks a goal after a throw in.
Huge comeback from the Suns after being four goals down!
GC 5.4.34
Ess 5.8.38
11 to go 2nd Quarter
8:29pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:29pm | Report comment
This quarter being played mainly in the Suns half, but when the Dons can spread and find targets it results in a shot at goal. Hocking streams forward only to miss.
Gold Coast go the length, and some magic from Bennell in the goal square leads to Aaron Hall snapping truly.
GC 4.4.28
Ess 5.8.38
13 to go 2nd Quarter
8:33pm
ManInBlack said | 8:33pm | Report comment
so, is Karmichael Hunt amongst the Suns best at present?? Some very, very important, clean and calm possession over the last 10 mins plus a super wrap up tackle.
8:59pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:59pm | Report comment
I think he has been. Was very influential that quarter, showed great leadership. Has won his own ball, and also applied important pressure.
8:27pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:27pm | Report comment
Ablett wins a free from the clearance, he really is the dominant player in the competition. He finds Bock, who turns and kicks long, and a rushed behind is the result.
Bombers can’t clear, they’re feeling the pressure now.
GC 3.4.22
Ess 5.7.37
14 to go 2nd Quarter
8:25pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:25pm | Report comment
Bombers really struggling to impose themselves and win enough ball here.
Ablett earns the free inside 50, using all of his guile. The champ kicks the captains goal, and this is in danger of becoming a contest!
GC 3.3.21
Ess 5.7.37
15 to go 2nd Quarter
8:23pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:23pm | Report comment
Davey sent a flying shot at goal that just squeezed in for a behind.
The Suns tried to go the length, but turn it over at half forward, but the Bombers respond in kind. The greasy conditions are becoming a factor.
Josh Fraser finds Aaron Hall 45m out, close to the boundary. Hall has looked okay in the two games i’ve seen of him, but he disappoints here, and it’s out on the full.
GC 2.3.15
Ess 5.7.37
16 to go 2nd Quarter
8:21pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:21pm | Report comment
Suns playing with a bit of purpose to open the quarter, causing a couple of stoppages, but the Bombers toon take control.
Reimers sends it in, but Hunt wins the free, he’s been going in hard.
Dempsey has been subbed off. I have him in my Dreamteam too, damn.
GC 2.3.15
Ess 5.6.36
18 to go 2nd Quarter
8:19pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:19pm | Report comment
Hird ‘reasonably happy’ with the first quarter, admits they took the foot off in the last five minutes.
Dempsey is under an injury cloud already, perhaps some tightness in the hammy. Not subbed out yet, but it looks imminent.
8:14pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:14pm | Report comment
DISPOSALS
Gold Coast: Ablett 7, Tape, Bock, Fraser 5
Essendon: Hibberd, Howlett 10, Watson 9, Hocking 8
8:14pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:14pm | Report comment
GOALS
Gold Coast: Brennan, Caddy
Essendon: Crameri, Watson, Bellchambers, Ryder, Reimers
8:13pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:13pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME
Gold Coast 2.3.15
Essendon 5.6.30
8:12pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:12pm | Report comment
Bombers get the clearance and will be looking for the late goal. They’re thwarted initially through Harbrow and Matera, and the seconds tick away, as a couple of stoppages result.
GC 2.3.15
Ess 5.5.35
0.11 to go 1st Quarter
8:10pm
SurferDon said | 8:10pm | Report comment
Good kick from Caddy! Bombers looking flat. Big improvement from Suns on last yr.
8:16pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:16pm | Report comment
Bombers possibly just going through the motions already. Looked okay early, but they eased the foot off the pedal in the second half of that quarter.
8:10pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:10pm | Report comment
Suns have had a good 5-6 minutes to finish off the quarter, have stopped the Dons momentum, and starting to win their share of ball.
Caddy sends it deep to the square, and in fact it’s gone all the way through!! Huge kick from 60m! Just kept going!
GC 2.3.15
Ess 5.5.35
1 to go 1st Quarter
8:08pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:08pm | Report comment
Prestia finds Fraser, who kicks from the 50m on the boundary, but misses.
Once more the Bombers clear with ease, but this time the Suns resist.
The Dons would be disappointed to be only 27 points up for this dominance, but they’re still on track for a three figure victory I suppose.
Suns build again, and Ablett involved twice, he has a crack from 55m, but just misses.
GC 1.3.9
Ess 5.5.35
2 to go 1st Quarter
8:05pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:05pm | Report comment
The Suns have yet to comprehensively clear a kick-in, and this is something that must concern McKenna.
Crameri involved again, as is Davey. Hardingham sends it in long, and an off the ball free is given to Melksham, but he can’t convert.
Ablett hasn’t had as much influence tonight as he has in the first two rounds.
GC 1.1.7
Ess 6.5.35
4 to go 1st Quarter
8:03pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:03pm | Report comment
The Bombers looking quicker, cleaner, harder and more experienced, which has been true of every team playing the Suns for the last year and a bit. The learning curve is steep for the Suns, and time and experience is the only remedy.
The expansion teams don’t make their opponents work hard for their goals, and there are always easy pickings on offer.
Crameri is looking dangerous whenever the ball is near, and he’s having significant impact forward of centre. A free kick after making good position, but he can’t make it count.
GC 1.1.7
Ess 5.4.34
6 to go 1st Quarter
8:00pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:00pm | Report comment
The Dons will make the Suns pay for every behind, and the ball goes down the other end through Watson and Hurley, allowing Reimers to kick his first. Loves playing this mob.
GC 5.3.33
Ess 1.1.7
8 to go 1st Quarter
7:59pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:59pm | Report comment
Aaron Hall, who has shown some talent, cops a hit on the outer wing, and has been down for some time.
Hunt finds Matera just on the 50m paint. He unloads, but Brennan can’t complete the mark, and a minor score is registered.
GC 1.1.7
Ess 4.3.27
9 to go 1st Quarter
7:57pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:57pm | Report comment
Fletcher gets involved for the first time tonight, positioning himself beautifully to mark an Aaron Hall ball. He gets the requisite cheer.
Bombers looking reasonably sharp now, and Dempsey and Heppell get involved to sent it forward, but Hocking snap is touched.
GC 1.0.6
Ess 4.3.27
10 to go 1st Quarter
7:54pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:54pm | Report comment
Alwyn Davey misses from a tight angle after winning a free from the kick in.
Harbrown makes an error at the kick-in and the ball is spending all time in the Bombers 50. Watson wins a free for holding, and he makes no mistake. Looks like another long night for Suns fans.
GC 1.0.6
Ess 4.2.26
12 to go 1st Quarter
7:51pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:51pm | Report comment
The Bombers keen on making their physical presence felt, Karmichel Hunt tackled by four Bombers at the centre bounce.
Fraser and Ryder have moved into the ruck now. Stanton has been on fire in the early rounds, and is carrying on that form here, already involved a few times.
Jetta snaps from a tight angle, and we have our first behind.
GC 1.0.6
Ess 3.1.19
14 to go 1st Quarter
7:48pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:48pm | Report comment
Hibberd goes long to Crameri, who has the drop on his opponent, and he finishes truly from close range.
GC 1.0.6
Ess 3.0.18
15 to go 1st Quarter
7:47pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:47pm | Report comment
Finally we have a stoppage that doesn’t lead to a direct goal. The bombers push the ball forward, and Davey wins the first free kick of the night.
His inside fifty results in a couple of stoppages. The surface and conditions are pure according to Cameron Ling, special comments man for Channel 7.
GC 1.0.6
Ess 2.0.12
16 to go 1st Quarter
7:45pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:45pm | Report comment
Stanton, Hocking and Watson work together to clear, Crameri marks, and finds Bellchambers.
He also kicks a goal, and we’ve seen three goals in two and a half minutes!
GC 1.0.6
Ess 2.0.12
17 to go 1st Quarter
7:44pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:44pm | Report comment
Stanton standing Ablett at the next centre bounce, so it doesn’t look like Hocking is playing a hard tag.
Speaking of Stanton he wins the ball on the spread from the stoppage, and finds Ryder who marks on the lead.
He also makes no mistake, and it’s a fast start at Metricon tonight.
GC 1.0.6
Ess 1.0.6
18 to go 1st Quarter
7:42pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:42pm | Report comment
Tom Bellchambers is playing his first game of the year for the Dons, and will be taking first ruck duties. He’s up against Zac Smith at the first bounce.
Ablett gets the first two kicks of the night! His second lands in the hands of Brennan 20m out, and he kicks truly from the set shot.
GC 1.0.6
Ess 0.0.0
19 to go 1st Quarter
7:36pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:36pm | Report comment
Plenty being made of Dustin Fletcher for his 350th, and his has been a superb career. I fancy that he’s been a better ‘backman’ rather a strict ‘full-back’, his reading of the play and ability to help out his fellow defenders has always been second to none.
Five minutes to go., the sky looks clear at this stage.
7:33pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:33pm | Report comment
No late changes to either side here. Ricky Dyson the sub for the Bombers, and like he was last week, Trent McKenzie for the Suns. Perhaps there are some queries over his ability to run out a full game.
7:19pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:19pm | Report comment
Tab Sportsbet has the Dons at $1.04 and the Suns at $14, but i’m not sure too many are lining up to take either of those odds.
The line has been set 60.5, and the adverse weather has seen the money come for GC, they’re at $1.65 to get within the margin, while the Bombers are out to $2.25 to got over it.
Leroy Jetta has opened the year in hot form around goal, so if the ball is a bit greasy, the $11 on him to be first goalkicker could be value, and $8 to be leading goalkicker on the ground also makes appeal. Memories of Kyle Reimers 8 against the Suns last year are in the punters minds, and he’s $6 to lead all-comers in this bet type.
7:15pm
Cameron Rose said | 7:15pm | Report comment
Welcome to the live blog of Gold Coast v Essendon, and am quite looking forward to this match.
Hoping for the Suns to finally show something, and the Bombers look like they’ll be quite an entertaining side to follow this year. If nothing else, the Gary Ablett show is always worth a viewing.
The Weather Channel tells me that there’s been a few showers throughout the day up on the Gold Coast, and there is rain forecast for tonight. Not sure the Suns have had much exposure to the wet, and Essendon play a lot of games under the roof at Etihad, so the conditions could be foreign to both.
7:39pm
SurferDon said | 7:39pm | Report comment
Rain radar looks pretty clear tonite, nice and mild. I love living on the Coast and look forward to the Suns doing well in the future, but NOT against the Bombers … 100 points should be the benchmark. Looking forward to the ruck duels, Belly is a very capable young ruckman and with Paddy in such wonderful form young Zac might find it a hard nights work. Anyway, will see how it pans out … Can see the lights at Metricon blazing now. Finally … Best wishes to the Fletch for a big 350. Best of luck Suns …. But go Bombers!
8:17pm
Cameron Rose said | 8:17pm | Report comment
Suns certainly put up a fight in the later stages of that quarter. If 100 is the benchmark, the Dons are now a bit short, but if they can expose the Gold Coast defence repeatedly, they can still get there.