Adelaide Crows vs Essendon: 2013 AFL live scores, blog
Editor By Chad Bennett, 22 Mar 2013 Chad Bennett is a Roar Editor
- Tagged:
- 2013 AFL season, Adelaide Crows, AFL, Essendon Bombers, live blog
6,092 reads
Taylor Walker of the Crows kicks a goal from the diving Jake Carlisle of the Bombers during the AFL Round 19 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Essendon Bombers at AAMI Stadium, Adelaide. (Photo: AFL Media)
Live Scores
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tonight the 2013 AFL season begins when Adelaide Crows host Essendon at AAMI Stadium, with the football world’s focus finally turning to the on-field action. We’ll have live scores and commentary from the first bounce at 8.40pm AEDT.
In 2012 Adelaide, under the guardianship of Brenton Sanderson for the first time, began the year by winning the NAB Cup and continued that form throughout the season, eventually coming within a kick of making the grand final.
Suffice to say expectations are considerably higher this year but the Crows’ pre-season form has been patchy at best.
Their losses against St Kilda and Geelong both came at AAMI Stadium and it while they were nowhere near full strength, neither were their opponents.
But it would be foolhardy to place any significance on anything that happens before round one.
Adelaide made AAMI Stadium a difficult place to travel to last season, winning 14 of 16 matches there including a four-point win over the Bombers in round 19.
Patrick Dangerfield picked up 29 touches that night and Taylor Walker kicked four, and Sanderson will once again be hoping for big contributions from the pair both tonight and throughout the year.
Tonight they face an Essendon side who made their own flying start to last season going 8-1 after before a succession of injuries literally crippled their campaign, closing out 2012 on a seven-game losing run.
Aside from the ongoing drama that has enshrouded Windy Hill over the past month, much of the attention throughout the NAB Cup was on the form of Brendon Goddard.
The number one pick of the 2002 draft has begun 2013 strongly with a host of strong performances in the NAB Cup.
If he can continue this into tonight Hird will be a very happy man as will captain Jobe Watson, who will appreciate a second key midfielder to take some of the opponent’s attention.
Essendon have been boosted by the inclusions of Michael Hurley and David Zaharakis, although fellow midfielder Jason Winderlich is still unavailable with a groin complaint.
Adelaide received their own bonus at the selection table with the news that Jason Porplyzia will play, despite being hospitalised a fortnight ago with a stomach ulcer.
Highly touted West Adelaide product Brad Crouch has been named as an emergency, while former Essendon recruit Josh Jenkins will line up forward in place of the now-departed Kurt Tippett.
So who wins? It’s hard to go past the home side – you simply can’t argue with a 14-2 record.
Then again, that was 2012 and the Crows have been off so far in the pre-season and there is no doubt Essendon will be keen to play away the memories of the last four weeks, if only momentarily.
Live Score Updates
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
| Events | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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
- Explore:
- 2013 AFL season, Adelaide Crows, AFL, Essendon Bombers, live blog
2:14pm
The Prez said | 2:14pm | Report comment
Is Adelaide going that badly that it names Reilly as its best player, with 7 clangers, 5 frees against and 3 or more goals kicked on him?
11:19pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:19pm | Report comment
FULL TIME: Adelaide 11.16.82 – Essendon 18.9.117
Much of the attention for Adelaide focused on how the club would replace key forward Kurt Tippett, and judging by tonight it’s a question that Brenton Sanderson has not yet been able to answer. They started the better of the two sides, jumping out to a 22-point lead but were slowly pegged back by the Bombers and were well beaten in the end. By a 25-point margin might not so and the Bombers were able to kick two junk-time goals to blow that out,
Even still, huge win for the Bombers in the circumstances and they’ll be ecstatic to get four points given the circumstances of the past four weeks.
Thanks for reading along, enjoy the rest of your sporting weekend!
11:37pm
TomC said | 11:37pm | Report comment
Good stuff Chad.
11:15pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:15pm | Report comment
Q4 – 0:01
Adelaide 11.16.82 – Essendon 18.9.117
Another one for the Bombers inside the last minute, with David Myers running into an open goal to cap off what has been a dominant performance for the red and black.
11:13pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:13pm | Report comment
Q4 – 0:29
Adelaide 11.16.82 – Essendon 17.9.111
There’s the icing! It’s been an outstanding performance from Jobe Watson tonight and he’ll go close to picking up three Brownlow votes tonight. He drills a shot at goal low and hard from 40m directly in front and his teammates come from everywhere to celebrate.
11:11pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:11pm | Report comment
Q4 – 1:45
Adelaide 11.16.82 – Essendon 16.9.105
Less than two minutes remaining now, and Essendon hold a four-goal lead that will not be exceeded tonight.
11:10pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:10pm | Report comment
Q4 – 2:45
Adelaide 11.16.82 – Essendon 16.9.105
That will just about be it. Heppell finds the debutant Kommer, 35m out on a slight angle from the right to seal it…
HE DOES. Essendon will win the first four points of the 2013 season!!
11:08pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:08pm | Report comment
Q4 – 4:25
Adelaide 11.16.82 – Essendon 15.9.99
WALKER around the corner from 40m…no, it hasn’t quite come around enough. Would have been a very handy score there, and now time begins to become the Crows’ enemy.
11:07pm
TomC said | 11:07pm | Report comment
That’s more like it! Where’s that kind of urgency been tonight from both teams?
11:09pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:09pm | Report comment
Indeed. Perhaps the see-sawing nature of the game has prevented either side from getting into stride?
11:10pm
TomC said | 11:10pm | Report comment
Maybe, but I think it’s more likely to be round one cobwebs.
11:06pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:06pm | Report comment
4Q 5:30
Adelaide 11.15.81 – Essendon 15.9.99
Crows continue to come, they’ve probably got the momentum in this one the Crows, but whether there is enough time remains to be seen.
11:04pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:04pm | Report comment
4Q 6:50
Adelaide 11.15.81 – Essendon 15.9.99
Walker marks! 45m out in front…he kicks from long, 58-60m there, and it is going, going…IT’S THROUGH! Had a quiet night has Tex but that is his third and there might yet still be a pulse!!
11:03pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:03pm | Report comment
4Q 7:40
Adelaide 10.15.75 – Essendon 15.9.99
Howlett kicks his fourth, a booming kick from the 50 that was started by a controlling, calming kick from skipper Jobe Watson, his 30th disposal of the night. Massive goal in the circumstances, and it is once again a four-goal lead for Essendon.
11:01pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:01pm | Report comment
4Q 8:40
Adelaide 10.15.75 – Essendon 14.8.92
Thompson’s long kick falls straight into the clutches of Goddard. Not really good enough from one of your most experienced campaigners.
11:00pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:00pm | Report comment
4Q 9:20
Adelaide 10.15.75 – Essendon 14.8.92
Ball in Essendon’s front half on the edge of the 50. Scott Thompson, ever-reliable, is able to mark a high, swirling ball. Here is a chance for the Crows to get back into this.
10:59pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:59pm | Report comment
4Q 10:40
Adelaide 10.15.75 – Essendon 14.8.92
Walker gets on the end of a 20m pass from Douglas, 20m in front….
KICKS IT. Less than three kicks in it now, more than half of the quarter left to play! Definitely game on now!
10:57pm
TomC said | 10:57pm | Report comment
Well that was bloody stupid by Dempsey.
10:54pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:54pm | Report comment
4Q 14:00
Adelaide 9.15.69 – Essendon 14.7.92
Adelaide are trying to mount a challenge here but the Bombers are holding firm. Crucial stage of the contest.
10:53pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:53pm | Report comment
4Q 15:15
Adelaide 9.15.69 – Essendon 14.7.91
Another chance out of the centre clearance through Sloane, who blazes away but only as far as Dustin ‘Inspector Gadget’ Fletcher. He’ll swallow those ones up all day long.
10:51pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:51pm | Report comment
4Q 16:00
Adelaide 8.15.63 – Essendon 14.7.91
Another chance here for the Crows, Nathan Van Berlo this time after Jobe Watson is pinged. Van Berlo doesn’t need a second invitation and he brings the margin back to 22 points. Still plenty of time left!
10:50pm
TomC said | 10:50pm | Report comment
I don’t reckon there has been one forward 50 entry by the Crows tonight that has advantaged their forwards.
10:50pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:50pm | Report comment
4Q 16:25
Adelaide 8.15.63 – Essendon 14.7.91
Half chance for the Crows here, with Brodie Martin picking up a free kick just inside the 50. Really wide angle, and the youngster wearing Simon Goodwin’s number drags the ball across goal for a behind.
10:47pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:47pm | Report comment
4Q 18:45
Adelaide 8.14.62 – Essendon 14.7.91
Strong finish from Heath Hocking there after picking up a free kick 20m out from goal on a slight angle, Patrick Dangerfield – yeah, he is playing – pinged for the free kick.
10:47pm
KiwiDave said | 10:47pm | Report comment
The three blind mice have ruined yet another game. Terrible umpiring performance. Each year the standard slips further
10:45pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:45pm | Report comment
4Q – 20:00
Adelaide 8.14.62 – Essendon 13.7.85
Underway at AAMI Stadium in the final quarter. Can the Crows find a way to overturn a four-goal deficit?
10:40pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:40pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME: Adelaide 8.14.62 – Essendon 13.7.85
Excellent ten-goal quarter there, both sides looked to have periods of momentum but it was largely an even quarter, with the Bombers extending their lead by nine points to 23. Adelaide have managed only eight goals all evening and given they are somewhat one-out with Walker up forward, it might be difficult for them to find a way back into this contest now.
10:37pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:37pm | Report comment
3Q 1:20
Adelaide 8.14.62 – Essendon 13.7.85
Ball up inside Essendon’s forward 50 with just over a minute left on the clock. Adelaide MUST hold the Bombers here or this one could be all but over.
10:36pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:36pm | Report comment
3Q 2:20
Adelaide 8.14.62 – Essendon 13.7.85
Alwyn Davey with his third of the quarter! BIG goal for the Bombers with less than two minutes remaining in the quarter, and they hold a 23-point lead now.
2:17pm
The Prez said | 2:17pm | Report comment
Maybe Reilly should ply amore defensive role in defence rather than chase kicks
10:34pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:34pm | Report comment
3Q 4:40
Adelaide 8.13.61 – Essendon 12.7.79
Probably not the best decision from Graham Johncock. Douglas looks to go long from just outside 50 and the ball is going, going…and instead of shepherding the ball through he tries to mark, the ball is touched and it is only a point.
From the kick-out, Adelaide get another shot at goal, this time through Porplyzia, but he is also unable to find the middle.
10:32pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:32pm | Report comment
3Q – 5:41
Adelaide 8.12.60 – Essendon 12.7.79
Bit of a shoot out developing here! Goals to Melksham and then McKay in quick succession keep the margin at 19 points, where it has hovered for the majority of the half.
10:28pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:28pm | Report comment
3Q – 8:00
Adelaide 6.12.48 – Essendon 11.7.73
HUGE kick from Michael Hibberd, giving it a huge roost from beyond the 50 and two scrambling Crows can do nothing but watch it sail through. No more than a minute after Sloane missed…there’s the difference, folks
10:26pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:26pm | Report comment
3Q – 8:20
Adelaide 6.12.48 – Essendon 10.7.67
Advantage Adelaide! Crows mark though Rory Sloane who can make it two successful set shots in a minute for the Crows…oh no, he pushes it well wide of the right-hand goalpost. Still 19-point ballgame.
10:23pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:23pm | Report comment
3Q – 9:28
Adelaide 5.11.41 – Essendon 10.7.67
Richard Douglas with a set shot from a 45-degree angle for the Crows after another strong mark – can he kick his second?
10:24pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:24pm | Report comment
…yes he can! Still life in this one yet, 20 points in the margin in favour of Essendon.
10:21pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:21pm | Report comment
3Q – 10:50
Adelaide 5.10.40 – Essendon 10.6.66
Game really beginning to get away from the Crows, and they now lead by over four goals.
They’ve brought on Brodie Martin, who replaces Luke Brown after the latter looks to have picked up a foot injury in a collision with Michael Hurley.
10:18pm
TomC said | 10:18pm | Report comment
This below the knees contact rule is a shocker. Penalises players who go for the ball. Rewards players who hesitate.
11:05pm
Chad Bennett said | 11:05pm | Report comment
It’s just unbelievable to think that that was a free…
10:17pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:17pm | Report comment
3Q – 13:00
Adelaide 5.10.40 – Essendon 9.5.59
Oh dear. Reilly goes in with his head over the footy and on the wet turf slides into Davey. Davey picks up the free kick, goes back from 15m on a 45-degree angle and he kicks a goal.
10:15pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:15pm | Report comment
3Q – 15:00
Adelaide 5.10.40 – Essendon 8.5.53
Jared Petrenko gets one back for the Crows in a very similiar fashion to the goal that Davey kicked a minute earlier, bringing the margin back to the half-time margin of 13 points.
10:12pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:12pm | Report comment
3Q – 16:50
Adelaide 4.10.34 – Essendon 8.5.53
Starting to become quite a break. Two Crows go up for the same ball and come crashing to the ground, leaving Davey to stroll in from 40m and boot a goal just outside the goal square, giving the Bombers a 19-point lead.
10:11pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:11pm | Report comment
3Q – 18:00
Adelaide 4.10.34 – Essendon 7.5.47
Crows have started the better with several quick entries inside their forward 50. Still having real difficulty hitting up a target though.
10:08pm
Chad Bennett said | 10:08pm | Report comment
3Q – 19:14
Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 7.5.47
Back underway at AAMI Stadium!
10:04pm
TomC said | 10:04pm | Report comment
Scrappy game in the wet. Crows have been shocking since about the ten minute mark. Very strange.
Geez Howlett is an underrated player. Gets about 20 touches a game and every one of them is quality. Gets more than his fair share of tackles, too.
9:49pm
Garcia said | 9:49pm | Report comment
I hope ASADA checks what Essendon drank at the 1/4 time break
9:49pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:49pm | Report comment
HALF TIME: Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 7.5.47
Looked all Adelaide in the first 10 minutes and they held a 22-point lead over Essendon midway through the first term. Since then, it’s been all Essendon and they’ve kicked seven of the last eight since, and look the better side over the majority of the game so far.
Plenty of time left for the Crows, but there are several Bombers players across the ground that are getting it far too easy at the moment and Brenton Sanderson must do something to stop that if he side are to turn this around.
9:53pm
KiwiDave said | 9:53pm | Report comment
Accuracy is the only difference here. The Crows will regroup at halftime and this game is still anyones
9:47pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:47pm | Report comment
Q2 – 0:04
Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 7.5.47
Courtenay Dempsey kicks a booming goal from the edge of the 50 to make the lead 14 points! Massive goal for the Bombers just before the main break!
9:45pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:45pm | Report comment
Q2 – 1:20
Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 6.5.41
Less than 90 seconds until half time, and it is Essendon that will head into the break the stronger of the two. They’re currently camped inside the Crows’ 50. Another one here would be very handy for James Hird’s team.
9:43pm
KiwiDave said | 9:43pm | Report comment
Rutten is Essendon’s Best on Ground for the first half
9:46pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:46pm | Report comment
Looks very off the pace doesn’t he?
2:19pm
The Prez said | 2:19pm | Report comment
Agreed. Poor Truck is a light of different days.
The few times he is able to REALLY negate a valuable opposition forward hardly warrants his selection, sadly
9:42pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:42pm | Report comment
Q2 – 3:25
Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 6.4.40
Hurley straight off the interchange bench has marked in an acre of space and will have a set shot from 30m out! Essendon can start to really punish the home side now.
9:43pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:43pm | Report comment
Poor, poor shot from their key forward. Not an absolutely gimme but he simply has to hit the target there.
9:40pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:40pm | Report comment
Q2 – 4:20
Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 6.4.40
Howlett gets his second from close range and that will be a seven-point lead for the Crows, their largest lead of the evening!
9:39pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:39pm | Report comment
Q2 – 5:20
Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 5.4.34
Brendon Goddard receives a free kick he probably shouldn’t have been awarded, but from the free kick he makes no mistake and can guide the ball through from 50m out. Only five touches so far but a crucial goal for the new recruit.
9:37pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:37pm | Report comment
Q2 – 6:40
Adelaide 4.9.33 – Essendon 4.4.28
Kommer does well to break through the lines and gets the ball out in front of Crameri, who is unable to take the mark and the Crows and defend. Very much a see-sawing contest at this stage, and right now it is advantage (just) Adelaide.
9:35pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:35pm | Report comment
Q2 – 7:55
Adelaide 4.8.32 – Essendon 4.4.28
Both sides working hard in the middle of the ground at the moment. We’re at a point where this game can go either way and I think both teams realise that, and neither look willing to cede the advantage at the moment.
9:32pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:32pm | Report comment
Q2 – 9:55
Adelaide 4.8.32 – Essendon 4.4.28
No mistake this time for Johncock, picking the ball up from around 40m out and wheeling around on his right foot, and his snap-shot sneaks through for a goal. Umpires decide to review, but the video referee can find no evidence to overturn and the Crows are back in the lead.
9:30pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:30pm | Report comment
Q2 – 11:05
Adelaide 3.7.25 – Essendon 4.4.28
Crows get one. Johncock flies for the ball and from the second ball gets a free kick for in the back. From the set shot he can’t straighten the ball through, it’s a minor score.
9:28pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:28pm | Report comment
Q2 – 12:30
Adelaide 3.6.24 – Essendon 4.4.28
Would have to be concerned as a Crows fan. They’re getting nothing in terms of run from their midfield and up forward it seems to be Walker, or bust.
9:27pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:27pm | Report comment
Q2 – 13:30
Adelaide 3.6.24 – Essendon 4.4.28
Who would have picked this? Essendon looked a long way off the pace in the first 10 minutes but they have since worked into the contest and are now well and truly on top. Sanderson needs to change things, and fast, or the Crows might find themselves chasing a deficit.
9:25pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:25pm | Report comment
Q2 – 14:00
Adelaide 3.6.24 – Essendon 3.4.22
Bellchambers gets spotted up and hit on the chest 15m out! Way, way too easy. Should kick this…
9:26pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:26pm | Report comment
And he does! Essendon now hold a four-point lead.
9:24pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:24pm | Report comment
Q2 – 15:35
Adelaide 3.6.24 – Essendon 3.4.22
After Bellchambers goes long to try and find Hurley, the Crows are unable to clear and Watson gets off a shot at goal that slides across the face for a behind. All Essendon now!
9:22pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:22pm | Report comment
Q2 – 16:35
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 3.3.21
How quickly things change. AAMI Stadium was booming ten minutes ago but a hush has descended upon the ground as Crows fan come to the realisation their side has their hands well and truly full.
9:20pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:20pm | Report comment
Q2 – 18:55
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 3.3.21
Whatever Hird said at quarter time is well and truly working! That’s two in a minute for the Bombers, Howlett this time, and they trail be only a point now!
9:18pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:18pm | Report comment
Q2 – 19:35
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 2.3.15
Crameri! Does his own crumbing after the Bombers go long from the centre bounce and is quickest to act to snap the ball through for his first of the year
9:12pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:12pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME: Adelaide Crows 3.4.22 lead Essendon 1.3.9
Adelaide jumped to a 22-point lead in the opening quarter and it looked as if the Bombers were a little stunned. But as the rain began to fall as the quarter ticked on, Essendon were able to bring themselves into the contest and despite some poor finishing in front of goal, they’ve brough the lead to a very manageable 13 points.
9:09pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:09pm | Report comment
Q1 – 1:35
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 1.3.9
Looked like they’d cooked it after first Davey and then Kommer were engulfed by the Crows defence less than 20m out from goal, and the Crows looked to have cleared the danger. Brent Stanton is able to pick the ball up 45m out though, and his shot around the body is commanding and sails through for Essendon’s first of the night!
9:05pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:05pm | Report comment
Q1 – 3:50
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 0.3.3
Crameri is up to take a strong contested mark 30m out and will have a set shot at goal for the Bombers’ first – but it’s another miss for the visitors. They’ve had the chance to get themselves back into this one, but errant finishing means they still trail by 19.
9:03pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:03pm | Report comment
Q1 – 4:50
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 0.2.2
Another good chance for Essendon, this time it is Nick Kommer with a similiar attempt to Hurley’s. This time he’s dragged it to the left of the goal for the Bombers’ second score.
9:01pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:01pm | Report comment
Q1 – 6:09
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 0.1.1
Very, very heavy rain in Adelaide. Interesting to see what happens if it keeps up throughout the four quarters.
9:00pm
Chad Bennett said | 9:00pm | Report comment
Q1 – 7:20
Adelaide 3.4.22 – Essendon 0.1.1
Bombers on the board! Michael Hurley runs around the man on the mark and tries to bend through a goal from 35m out in the left pocket, but he can’t bring it back far enough. Behind, but it’s encouraging all the same for the Bombers, who have worked back into this contest, if not on the socreboard yet.
8:58pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:58pm | Report comment
Q1 – 8:40
Adelaide 3.2.20 – Essendon 0.0.0
Bernie Vince pinged for holding the ball, a crucial stop for Essendon, as the Crows were off to the races otherwise. Bombers still look stunned, but are slowly, slowly trying to drag themselves back into the contest.
8:56pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:56pm | Report comment
Q1 – 10:05
Adelaide 3.2.20 – Essendon 0.0.0
Sounds like a broken record, but again it is Adelaide. Cale Hooker, under minimal pressure, bombs out of his defensive 50 and straight over the boundary line on the full, meaning Walker will launch the ball long from about 70m out on the sideline.
8:55pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:55pm | Report comment
Q1 – 11:00
Adelaide 3.2.20 – Essendon 0.0.0
Absolute avalanche. Once again the Crows win the clearance inside 50, from a ball-up Dangerfield is able to scramble a shot at goal that bounces through for a behind.
8:53pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:53pm | Report comment
Q1 – 12:00
Adelaide 2.2.14– Essendon 0.0.0
Johncock finds Jason Porplyzia with another contested mark, this time on a tight angle in the right-hand pocket. Will be a tough set shot at goal…
8:54pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:54pm | Report comment
Not for Porplyzia! He kicks a banana which sails high over the top of the goalposts and through for the Crows’ third goal!
8:52pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:52pm | Report comment
Q1 – 12:55
Adelaide 2.2.14– Essendon 0.0.0
Still a long, long way to go but Essendon fans must be at least a little concerned. Douglas streams through the middle and shoots from outside 50 for his second, but the ball skids through to the right of the goals for a minor score.
8:50pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:50pm | Report comment
Q1 – 14:30
Adelaide 2.1.13 – Essendon 0.0.0
Some early trouble for the Bombers. Van Berlo picks up the ball near the sideline just outside 50, looks up and slots a 25m pass to Richard Douglas for another mark. Slight angle from the right-hand side for Douglas, but he makes no mistake and that’s the Crows’ second.
Meanwhile, rain begins to fall at AAMI Stadium.
8:48pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:48pm | Report comment
Q1 – 15:50
Adelaide 1.1.7 – Essendon 0.0.0
Adelaide clear again and this time it is Ricky Henderson who takes a strong grab on the lead, and has a set shot from 35m on a slight angle from the left. Can’t straighten this one up unfortunately, and that will be a behind.
8:47pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:47pm | Report comment
Q1 – 16:15
Adelaide 1.0.6 – Essendon 0.0.0
Tex makes no mistake and he’s up and about with the double-fist pump afterwards. Meanwhile, Matthew Richardson becomes the second Seven commentator to remark on the mulleted Walker’s ‘swagger’.
8:46pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:46pm | Report comment
Q1 – 16:50
Adelaide 0.0.0 – Essendon 0.0.0
Mark inside 50, 20m out directly in front…yep, it’s Taylor Walker!
8:45pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:45pm | Report comment
Q1 – 17:35
Adelaide 0.0.0 – Essendon 0.0.00
Poor kick from Fletcher rebounding out of 50 is straight to Dangerfield, and he tries a cute 15m pass sideways rather than bombing it long and the ball turns over.
8:43pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:43pm | Report comment
Q1 – 18:50
Adelaide 0.0.0 – Essendon 0.0.00
Bombers have steadied and gone inside 50 themselves, Rory Sloane does well to get first hands on the footy and prevent the mark. Ball up just inside the 50, but the Crows do well to win the hitout and the subsqequent clearance.
8:42pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:42pm | Report comment
Q1 – 19:40
Adelaide 0.0.0 – Essendon 0.0.00
Underway at AAMI Stadium! Crows win the clearance and go inside 50.
8:39pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:39pm | Report comment
Tom Harley currently espousing Taylor Walker’s ‘swagger’ to the Channel Seven audience. Riiiight.
8:40pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:40pm | Report comment
In any case, there’s been a genuine focus on Tex throughout the pre-game coverage – here’s hoping he can stand up, terribly exciting goalkicking forward.
8:38pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:38pm | Report comment
Teams are lined up out on AAMI Stadium in readiness for the national anthem. Graham Cornes has presented the match ball (?) to the umpires and now that that highly valuable moment of ceremony is done and dusted it’s time for the players to mouth the words to the national anthem.
8:35pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:35pm | Report comment
So who wins this? Hard to look at either side with any real confidence, both sides should have claims to win this. Essendon have been well-supported as an underdog throughout the day, but Adelaide maintain favouritism.
8:25pm
Sean Lee said | 8:25pm | Report comment
Carn the Bombers!
Great to have the real stuff back. On the nightshift at work but will be following as closely as I can.
8:30pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:30pm | Report comment
My thoughts exactly Sean, it all begins in earnest tonight!
8:22pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:22pm | Report comment
No late, dramatic changes for either, side meaning Adelaide’s gun Brad Crouch must wait at least another week before making his AFL debut.
For the Crows Brodie Martin will wear the green vest, while David Zaharakis gets the honour for the Bombers.
8:19pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:19pm | Report comment
We’re about 20 minutes away from first bounce at AAMI Stadium.
8:15pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:15pm | Report comment
As TomC said: Footy’s back! Couldn’t put it any better!
8:14pm
Chad Bennett said | 8:14pm | Report comment
Good evening, Roarers.
8:06pm
TomC said | 8:06pm | Report comment
Footy’s back!