The Essendon Bombers have defeated a gallant but inaccurate Collingwood Magpies outfit in the ANZAC Day Match that had all the obligatory solemnity, excitement and drama you’d expect.
» Five more quick takes from AFL Round 5
Beginning with the wonderful ANZAC ceremony which saw both teams run through the banner together, there was a moment of reflection before the highly anticipated match began.
The first quarter was played at a ferocious pace, with Essendon gaining the early ascendency courtesy of goals to Joe Daniher, Aaron Francis and Cale Hooker.
They were also helped in no small part due to Collingwood’s deplorable forward entries: by the end of the quarter, the Pies had one goal from 13 entries, compared to Essendon’s four goals from 14.
It was even worse looking at the marks inside forward 50 – the Pies had two, compared to their opponents’ seven.
Essendon were also comfortably leading disposals: particularly contested possessions, where they were defeating the Pies midfield in this area.
Ultimately, it was Essendon leading by 19 at the first break.
Collingwood came out a changed team in the second stanza, with a newfound intensity that allowed them to climb on top of scoring and the disposal count.
Adam Treloar and Jeremy Howe were prolific, allowing the Pies to score 4.7 compared to Essendon’s 3.2 – however, predicably, Collingwood’s characteristic inaccuracy still allowed Essendon to keep it’s nose in front by the vastly reduced margin of 3 points.
The third quarter, though, is when this game’s entertainment factor became extremely obvious. A free-flowing, exciting, nine-goal quarter in which both teams were able to gain the ascendency at one point or another was a delight to watch, but come three-quarter time we were still no closer to knowing who would win the footy match.
Collingwood were able to score three consecutive goals courtesy of Jamie Elliott, Daniel Wells and Darcy Moore, but Essendon hit straight back with their own streak of three goals, enabling them to win the quarter and keep Collingwood – somewhat – at bay.
Essendon, though, comfortably dominated the final quarter. Leading by 10 points at three-quarter time, they were able to slam on four goals to their competitors’ two and ran out the game not really troubled by Collingwood, who appeared to run out of legs towards the end of the game.
Joe Daniher was brilliant for the Dons – a deserving winner of the ANZAC Day Medal – while midfielders Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell and Jobe Watson were prolific, and defenders Michael Hurley and James Kelly were also brilliant.
Youngsters Darcy Parish and Andy McGrath were also impressive, but seems to lose their presence towards the conclusion of the game.
For the losing side it was, somewhat predictably, Adam Treloar who was their best – his 39 disposals, 11 tackles and 1 goal meant he was once again showing his side how to perform well. Jeremy Howe and Pies debutant Daniel Wells were also brilliant for the club.
The result leaves Essendon at 3-2 ahead of a very winnable clash with the Demons next weekend, while Collingwood crash to a worrying 1-4 record ahead of a meeting with a brilliant Geelong side.
Final score
Essendon Bombers 15.10.100
Collingwood Magpies 11.16.82
Paul D
Roar Guru
Bucks is going to be another Terry Wallace. 5 years of mass changes & bridge burning to go backwards
Redb
Roar Guru
I think the final scoreline does reflect the game. The Bombers seemed to have the Pies measure for most of the game with the exception of about 10 minutes in the second qtr where had they kicked straight they might have gone into half time with a 1-2 goal lead. It felt at the game though that it was not over until about 5 minutes to go, when it mattered Essendon did enough to win but did not put them away. Indicates to me that Essendon are a long way off top 4, somewhere in the 6-10th range on the ladder. They are great to watch as a supporter with plenty of upside from the likes Parish, Tippa, Fantasia and Mc Grath. Joe Daniher had a breakout game yesterday, a clear CHF now, who could change a game in the mould of Jono Brown, Carey, Buddy, Brereton,etc. He is not in that league yet, but has proven he is more than hit up full forward.
Penster
Roar Guru
Joe Daniher has an impressive pedigree. Uncle Neil Daniher had a thumping kick on him, could clear a ball a mile off half back. Bucks would have the full support of the board about now? I enjoy him as a commentator, hope he ends up in media if/when coaching gig evaporates.
Ditto
Guest
How long can Collingwood's road to nowhere continue?
mattyb
Guest
I think Collingwood are in trouble. They're not the worst team in the league by any stretch and they play competitively against any side,they just struggle to win. The heats rising on Buckley,maybe he's a great coach who should have coached a different club. Favourite sons coaching their old club doesn't have a great track record in the modern era. The sacking of Malthouse at Collingwood is going to go down in history like Melbourne sacking Norm Smith,and we all know how well Melbourne have gone ever since that happened. Good on Essendon though, a very proud club who deserve to get back to being a finals side.
JR
Guest
Super pumped about Joey winning the ANZAC medal. He cops heaps of criticism from fans and commentators for his kicking but boy can he play. Too many fans only focusing on his set shot kicking, not realising just how good he has become as that true CHF player, leading up the ground, pinch hitting in the ruck and setting up teamates. 3 goals, 4 points and 3 goal assists means he had 10 score involvements, double the next best on the ground, Fantasia.