Essendon has bounced back after two successive defeats to gain a morale-boosting win over the previously undefeated Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium by 22 points.
The performances of Jake Stringer (4 goals), Dyson Heppell (31 disposals, 7 tackles) and Michael Hurley (29 disposals, 15 marks) helped the Bombers over the line in what was a very impressive victory by the red and black.
A fast start from the Bombers set the tone as they kicked the first three goals and were led brilliantly by former Giant, James Stewart, who kicked the opening two.
The pick of the bunch was a brilliant Mark Baguley goal - which was just the fourth of his career - to heap pressure on Port Adelaide early.
The Power failed to pack a punch as Stewart kicked his third before Jake Stringer joined the party to kick the Bombers ahead to a 36-point lead midway through the second quarter.
Port Adelaide were able to show some signs of life with goals from Jack Watts and Sam Gray, but Stringer popped up again to help the Dons to a 29-point half-time lead.
Charlie Dixon was able to get the Power moving early in the third term.
But three in the row from the Bombers - led once again by Stringer as he kicked his third and extended their lead to 48 points - seemed to be enough to put the Power away.
A quick trio of goals from the Power soon after brought the lead back to 23 points after Travis Boak kicked a massive goal late.
The Power started the final term the strongest after Darcy Byrne-Jones brought the margin back to 19, but Joe Daniher and Stringer were able to combine and end any hope of a late comeback with the latter’s dribbler an absolute peach.
Robbie Gray (39 disposals) and Jared Polec (28 disposals) tried to will the Power back into the game as they were the standard bearers on a tough afternoon for the Port players.
The Bombers were able to see out the game and come home with a massive victory to end Port Adelaide’s perfect start to the season in a poor afternoon for the away side.
Essendon will face Collingwood in ten days' time in the traditional Anzac Day clash, while Port Adelaide take on Geelong at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
ESSENDON 5.2 9.4 12.7 16.10 (106) PORT ADELAIDE 2.2 4.6 8.8 12.12 (84)
GOALS
Essendon: Stringer 4, Stewart 3, Daniher 2, Myers 2, Fantasia, Green, Goddard, Baguley, McDonald-Tipungwuti Port Adelaide: Watts 3, Dixon, Marshall, Westhoff, Boak, S. Gray, Amon, Byrne-Jones, Rockliff, Bonner
BEST
Essendon: Hurley, Stringer, Merrett, Heppell, Zaharakis, Hartley, Bellchambers Port Adelaide: R. Gray, Wines, Polec, Ebert
INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
Port Adelaide: Marshall (suspected concussion), Rockliff (lower leg)
TALKING POINTS
1. BOMBERS FLEX AT THE RIGHT TIME
This time last week, Essendon were defeated by an surprisingly fierce Western Bulldogs and the pressure on the Dons was absolutely immense.
However, seven days later, the grit and smooth moving football that saw them defeat Adelaide in round one was on full display as they dispatched the Power easily in a fantastic victory to get their season moving again.
Led brilliantly by Hurley, Stringer and Heppell, the Essendon movement was smooth and their forward line looks electric as Stewart and Daniher continue to be a presence inside the forward arc.
A brilliant win for all those involved with the Bombers as they look ahead to a huge Anzac Day clash.
2. HOOKER TO DEFENCE SHOWS HIS VERSATILITY IS STILL A WEAPON
Cale Hooker was back in defence and his performance was absolutely fantastic.
Showing that he can still dominate at both ends, Hooker took up a defensive post against the tall Power forward line and proved there is a reason why he was an All-Australian defender not long ago.
A 23-disposal, eight-mark game from Hooker - who threw a blanket on the Power forward line -was a source of rebound as they set up attacks time and time again.
He may not need to go down back against the Magpies with their small forward set-up but at least they know it can still work against the bigger sides.
3. POWER BACK TO EARTH WITH A THUD
Port Adelaide’s perfect start came to an end and it is fair to say it was coming.
After a brilliant two weeks to open the season, the last two weeks for the Power have been less than ideal.
After scraping over the line against the Lions, the Power were beaten by a much more superior opposition as their ball movement and toughness around the contest was not to be seen.
A big question mark still lingers over Tom Rockliff who struggled with only eight disposals again and has not lived up to the off-season hype in his opening four games at Alberton.
A big game next week against the Cats and a chance to rebound for the Power.
4. ROBBIE GRAY CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD
A 39-disposal game for the wizard as he once again was the Power’s best player on a tough afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
Gray started the game slow and even as he accumulated the ball, he failed to have the impact he would have hoped with poor disposal usage.
However, his second-half almost willed his side over the line in a fantastic display which proves he should be playing more midfield minutes.
His ability to go forward and kick goals is a major asset, but his best work is done in the middle of the ground as he continues to show he is the Power’s best and most dangerous weapon when he is on his day.
5. ANZAC DAY STAKES RISEN AFTER BIG WINS FROM BOTH SIDES
Both Collingwood and Essendon are now sitting at 2-2 and both teams coming off huge wins against the Adelaide oppositions this weekend.
In front of a sold out ‘G and the two sides now gunning for a spot in the finals, the appetite has been moistened ahead of a huge clash where seasons could be determined.
The Dons and Pies have over a week to prepare for the momentous game and with Collingwood set to load up on big ins, the Bombers will need to be wary of the improved Nathan Buckley outfit.
The stage is set for fireworks and we all can not wait.
This is going to be a blockbuster.
Comments