An inspired Essendon have consolidated their spot in the top eight, while simultaneously extinguishing West Coast’s hopes of a finals berth on the back of a thrilling three-point come-from-behind win.
West Coast looked to have the upper hand at the start of the second half and threatened to run away with the match, but Essendon were relentless, pegging the Eagles back to come away 11.11 (77) to 11.8 (74) victors at Etihad Stadium.
With both sides effectively playing for a position in the final eight, the match started with finals-like intensity and it carried forth throughout.
Jobe Watson made an immediate impact in his first game back from a serious hamstring injury, kicking a goal within the first 13 seconds of the opening bounce. But from then on, the Eagles did most of the scoring.
Essendon looked out on their feet early into the third quarter as West Coast piled on another goal to extend their lead to a sizeable 34 points at the nine-minute mark and they could almost sense a finals spot within their grasp. But the Bombers refused to give in, kicking the next five goals of the term within the space of 11 minutes to head into the last break 11 points in arrears.
As the last quarter kicked off, so did Essendon, who continued with the same run and momentum that they finished the third quarter with. They went on to kick two goals and take the lead, and it was enough in the end as they held the Eagles goalless.
Dyson Heppell was scintillating for Essendon after being well-held in the first half to just 10 disposals. But as has been a common theme this season, he stood up when the game was on the line, picking up 13 and 15 disposals in the third and fourth quarters respectively to finish with 38 disposals (14 contested) and 4 clearances.
Travis Colyer (24 disposals), David Zaharakis (31 disposals), Michael Hibberd (32 disposals) Jason Winderlich (3 second-half goals) were other key contributors for the Bombers.
For the Eagles, Shannon Hurn (23 disposals, 10 marks), Matt Priddis (25 disposals, 11 clearances) and Josh Kennedy (3 goals) were the stand-outs.
West Coast drop to eleventh spot on the ladder, and will play out their season against Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Meanwhile Essendon face fellow finals aspirants Gold Coast next week, and round out the home-and-away season against arch-rivals Carlton, who will be looking to extinguish the Bomber’s finals hopes for the second consecutive season.
Thomas
Guest
The West Coast would probably make the least impact of the possibles should they make the finals - they'd be traveling to Adelaide off a six day break coming back from Queensland.
Cat
Roar Guru
And if those 5 things all go right, still need to win by enough to pip Adelaide on percentage. Any one of those 6 things don't go as hoped and WCE are done.
johno
Guest
If the Crows can beat the Roos this weekend then its good night to Richmond, Suns, Pies and Eagles. The Eagles, if they make the finals, will not have beaten any of the other teams in the finals this year, and only 2 wins againt these teams in the past 2 years (Essendon and Norths in 2013 when neither played finals), with 1 win at home and the other away (Essendon at Etihad). Not exactly form that deserves a spot in the finals,
EddyJ
Guest
Yes, West Coast can still make the final 8, and it's not such an onerous task. This is what needs to happen: 1. West Coast defeat Melbourne and Gold Coast. 2. North Melbourne defeat Adelaide in Melbourne (Rd 22). 3. Sydney defeat Richmond in Sydney (Rd 23). 4. Essendon defeat Gold Coast in Melbourne (Rd 22). 5. Hawthorn defeat Collingwood (Rd 23). Nothing is certain, but the above results are very achievable and likely – the biggest crunch game out of West Coast's control is North Melbourne v Adelaide. If the above results occur, West Coast will end up eighth and play Port Adelaide, in Adelaide, for an elimination final. It's quite a fascinating scenario. If any of the teams above exclusively reverse the above options, they make the eight (ie. if Gold Coast defeat West Coast and Essendon, and other above results remain the same, Gold Coast will make the eight). In order of likelihood to make the eight: 1. West Coast. 2. Adelaide. 3. Richmond. 4. Collingwood. 5. Gold Coast. It might end up also being a 'Steve Bradbury', with the last one standing making the eight. It's all moot anyway, the team that makes eight position (except for Richmond), is probably not going to make much impact, so it's all about getting the experience for 2015 and beyond.
Daws
Guest
Pretty sure the Eagles can still make it...?
Alistair
Guest
Actually the Eagles still have a faint sniff of making the finals. They have to beat Melbourne and Gold Coast and hope for North to beat Adelaide, Hawthorn to beat Collingwood and Sydney to beat Richmond.