The Essendon Bombers are back in business, with a fast start leading them to a 17-point win over the Geelong Cats on Saturday night.
Well, well, well, Geelong have just lost three games in a row for the first time in a while and, it seems, learned absolutely nothing from last week.
They won the contested ball, but allowed the Bombers to gather uncontested possessions with ease and score easily from turnovers on the half back flank, again, bringing up the same issues with their defence that came up last week against the Suns.
Critically, they were unable to score consecutive goals up until the exciting last quarter. At that point the Bombers had a seven-goal head start and it was too little too late.
Additionally, Selwood and Dangerfield were quiet again – leading questions as to whether the Cats can cope if their leading two men get taken out of the game. It’s back to the drawing board again for Chris Scott and his men.
On the other side of the coin, Essendon were absolutely incredible – particularly in the first half.
They dominated the game in the first and second quarters with their speed and ease of ball movement through the ground.
They left the Cats for dead. Early in the match, games Kelly enjoyed an excellent 300th game, while Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Orazio Fantasia and Joe Daniher were integral parts of an exciting, fast-paced game.
The Bombers are now 4-4 after eight rounds and knocking on the door of the top eight.
Tonight proved they are good enough to be playing finals footy.
Ensuring they realise they need to play four quarters (as evidenced by Geelong’s voracious comeback in the final quarter), it’s best not to right the Bombers off in 2017 just yet.
Final score
Essendon Bombers 17.8.110
Geelong Cats 13.15.93
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
It's the seven-minute mark of the final quarter. Essendon lead the Western Bulldogs by 19 points in a match that has, since halfway through…
The AFL Players' Association has come out swinging against the league for their decision to hand Port Adelaide forward a three-match suspension for using…
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
For all the talk and all the acclaim the so-called 'Essendon Edge' has received in the past few weeks - and I firmly fit…
