Four goals to Stewart Cameri allowed Essendon to celebrate Dustin Fletchers 350th AFL game with a nail-biting 17-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns.
In the corresponding match in round six last season, the Bombers scored a record 15-goal first quarter to eventually thrash the Suns by 139 points.
But almost a year on a more-competitive Suns outfit fought right up until the end in front of a crowd of 17,069 at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night, going into the last term ahead before the Bombers were able to eventually pull away and win 15.15 (105) to 13.10 (88).
The Bombers remain unbeaten after three games, while the Suns have yet to win this season and remain searching for their first win at home.
A lop-sided result was shaping early in the game when Essendon took a 21-point lead into quarter time.
But Gold Coast came out the stronger in a rain-effected second term, scoring three straight goals to narrow the Bombers’ lead to four points.
Led by their inspirational skipper Gary Ablett, who stood out yet again with a game-high 44 possessions, the Suns claimed the lead late in the quarter, before Essendon were able to wrestle it back only minutes later to go into the half-time break in front by five.
Gold Coast continued to shine in the greasy conditions after half time kicked five goals to Essendon’s three to lead by seven points going into the final term, with Nathan Bock kicking two goals.
Essendon pulled away with three early goals in the fourth, but were not able to breathe easy until late in the term.
Essendon defender Courtenay Dempsey left the field with an injured hamstring at the start of the second quarter.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
One of the highlights of the Suns vs Bombers match was Jobe Watson having a good chuck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcZZVxOiaMU
I thought the Suns played very well and were on the wrong end of a couple of poor umpiring decisions. As a Bombers supporter I am not looking forward to next week's clash against Carlton because, If we don't play a lot better, we will be on the end of a large "thumping".
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Probably one of those matches that told us more positive things about the loser rather than the winner. Essendon had to play a desperate catch up. Glad to see McKenna making progress.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
sprayed it coming out of defence in the last - at the same time the umpires conspired against them - and still only lost by 17. great effort
Norm
Guest
It was quite exciting, listening to it on the radio
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Its not just Hunt - Tape, two weeks after telling the trainer to find his front teeth, was among best on ground as well.
ChrisH
Guest
Hunt did well...very well. And it's about time he received some praise that wasn't countered with some caveat that receives praise when others wouldn't