Fremantle Dockers vs Essendon Bombers: AFL match result, highlights

Match result:

Essendon have solidified a finals spot for 2019 after registering a 32-point win over the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium in Perth.

The Bombers started off brilliantly by kicking five goals in the first quarter. Jake Stringer, Kyle Langford, Zach Merrett and Mitch Brown all kicked two apiece and contributed to their team’s big win.

Meanwhile Cam McCarthy kicked three for the Dockers and Michael Walters also kicked two goals in their side’s disappointing loss.

Fremantle wasted opportunities and their ball use was extremely poor. However, Ed Langdon provided some inspiration with 37 disposals for the Dockers.

The Bombers on the other hand were brilliant tonight. They made the most of their opportunities and were able to hold off the Dockers early in the last quarter when they got within 18 or so points.

Dylan Shiel was once again a major ball winner for the Bombers with 27 disposals and a goal. Adam Saad also had 27 disposals and was brilliant down back providing run and carry as he often does week in week out.

Unfortunately for Aaron Sandilands and Hayden Ballantyne the Dockers could not send them off with a win for their final game in Perth. The Dockers next week will play Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval.

The Bombers will now turn their focus to Friday night where they’ll take on the rampaging Magpies at the MCG in what should be a classic.

The only downside to Essendon’s win tonight is that veteran David Zaharakis was injured in the second quarter and did not come back onto the ground. He unfortunately looked to hurt his foot and was seen in a moon boot during the broadcast.

Final score
Fremantle 7.13 (55)
Essendon 13.9 (87)

Match preview:

Saturday night footy is back at Optus Stadium this week were the Fremantle Dockers will host the Essendon Bombers in what will be a season-defining game for the Dons. Join The Roar for live scores and a live blog of the match, starting from 8:10pm AEST.

After a horror week for Essendon they will not only be hoping to earn the respect back from the rest of the competition but also solidify their spot in the top eight.

Their 104-point loss to the Doggies last weekend was, to be frank, very poor. They certainly were not playing like a top-eight side and in the end, the Western Bulldogs almost looked as if they were running a training drill.

On Saturday night John Worsfold and his playing group will be under pressure to try and deliver a win to not only make up for their terrible performance last week but also gain some momentum and confidence.

The Bombers are one win away from finals, so in context this is a mini elimination final.

Fremantle however will also be looking to pick themselves up after their shattering loss to St Kilda last week. If the Dockers win both remaining games for the year and other results go their way, then they could potentially sneak into the finals.

The Dockers have been in the spotlight in recent times, particularly Ross Lyon who is under pressure due to Fremantle’s inconsistent year. He will be looking to try and secure their tenth win of the season.

The last time these two teams met was in Round 9 where Essendon were victorious by seven points at Marvel Stadium.

The Dockers welcome in Cam McCarthy and Hayden Ballantyne who are in for Bailey Banfield (omitted) and also Jason Carter (omitted).

While Essendon have made five changes with handy inclusions, Michael Hurley, Darcy Parish, Adam Saad, Aaron Francis and also Brayden Ham who are in for Dylan Clarke (omitted), Josh Begley (omitted), David Myers (omitted), Ben McNiece (omitted), Mark Baguley (omitted).

Prediction
Fremantle return to their home deck where they can be dangerous. Despite Essendon having some helpful inclusions in their side this week, I still think the Dockers will have the upper hand because the game is in Perth.

Fremantle by 8 points.

Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 8:10pm AEST.

Where: Optus Stadium (Perth)
When: Saturday 8:10pm AEST
TV: Foxtel
Umpires: Dean Margetts, Alex Whetton, Craig Fleer.
Betting: Fremantle $1.60, Essendon $2.35

Fremantle
Taylin Duman, Joel Hamling, Connor Blakely
Ethan Hughes, Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker
Bradley Hill, Reece Conca, Ed Langdon
Andrew Brayshaw, Michael Walters, Sam Switkowski
Cam McCarthy, Sean Darcy, Hayden Ballantyne
Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy
Adam Cerra, Lachie Schultz, Mitchell Crowden, Brandon Matera

Essendon
Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker, Martin Gleeson
Conor McKenna, Patrick Ambrose, Mason Redman
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath
Darcy Parish, Shaun McKernan, Kyle Langford
David Zaharakis, Mitch Brown, Jake Stringer
Zac Clarke, Dylan Shiel, Dyson Heppell
Brayden Ham, Adam Saad, Orazio Fantasia, Aaron Francis