Bombers Back on the Runway
- Apr 19, 2019
- 2 min read
After a disappointing start to the season, the Essendon Bombers have managed to get their season back on track with two straight wins.
In round three the Bombers defeated Melbourne 112 -130 before beating the previously undefeated Brisbane Lions in a 112 – 65 upset win on Saturday at the MCG.
Prior to the game, Essendon fan Brendan Payne was hopeful, but not expecting a win.
“I think we can compete with them, but I’m not expecting too much,” he said before the game.
It didn’t take long for the fans to get excited for the game when Essendon Jumped out to a quick 18-point lead courtesy of goals from cult hero Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Jake Stringer and youngster Zach Merrett.
Essendon Continued their 1st quarter onslaught kicking 7 goals, while holding Brisbane to only 2.
The Bombers didn’t allow the Lions to gain any ground throughout the game, continuing to kick accurately for goal, finishing 17 goals and 10 points. However, it was the work from the backline, through to the forward 50 that created so many scoring shots for Essendon.
It was a style of football that isn’t overly popular now, but Essendon attacked the middle of the field rather than go up and down the wings.
The Bombers quick movement and long kicking up the middle of the ground left Brisbane’s zone defence lost and unable to react quick enough. Using one or two quick handballs allowed Essendon to get into space down the middle and then find a man inside the 50 to kick for goal.
Essendon fan and member David Rivers who attended the game was impressed with the change in game-plan.
“It was like the coach heard all our complaints and decided to finally do something different,” he said. “The boys played harder than they had been as well. It was good to see them look like they wanted to compete.”
McDonald-Tipungwuti would finish with 7 goals on the day While Zach Merrett and David Zaharakis would both over 30 disposals each.
Essendon Captain Dyson Heppell had high praise for the performance of McDonald-Tipungwuti after the game.
“That’s one of the best games of footy I’ve not only seen him play but anyone play to be honest. He couldn’t do a thing wrong. Not only the snags he kicked but pressure around the ball.”
Photo by Glenn Hunt, via ABC
The win comes at a crucial time for the Bombers as coach John Worsfold had come under fire for the slow start to the season with many calling for him to step down from the head coach position.
Worsfold will continue to try and regain the trust of the club and Essendon fans, but believes in the team going forward.
“We’re confident that we can play some exciting footy,” he said.
The Bombers had big expectations after showing promise towards the end of last season and signing star mid-fielder Dylan Shiel during the off-season.
They now sit in 12th on the ladder and will face The North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on Good Friday.
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