Essendon has held on to a thrilling six-point win over West Coast, with skipper Zach Merrett leading the way with a brilliant three-goal display in Perth.
The Bombers survived an Eagles fightback in the final term to come away with a 11.11 (77) to 11.5 (71) victory at Optus Stadium.
But it was a case of what could have been for West Coast after coughing up three goals directly from horror brain fades – the biggest coming from veteran Jamie Cripps in the final term.
With Jake Waterman lining up for goal, Cripps was “sucked in” to the push and shove by Bomber Nic Martin that saw the shot on goal overturned.
To add insult to the result, star Eagle Elliot Yeo suffered another groin injury and didn’t see out the match while Noah Long was subbed out with a leg injury.
QUARTER BY QUARTER MATCH REPORT
The Eagles were forced to make a late change with veteran Dom Sheed given a reprieve when Ryan Maric was ruled out of the contest through illness.
Neither side could find an early avenue to goal amid some “sloppy” skills as the two teams deployed a loose man down back.
“You can’t go quick in this instance – otherwise you are kicking to their spare. That’s why it’s a bit of an arm-wrestle right now,” commentator Will Schofield said.
Bomber Peter Wright broke the deadlock after more than 14 minutes before Jake Waterman’s rich vein of form continued down the other end for West Coast moments later.
Commentator Matthew Pavlich said the Eagles were left to “hang on” as Essendon found their rhythm – but just couldn’t put it on the scoreboard with 2.5 at the first change.
Elliot Yeo put West Coast in front early in the second term in game 200 – but the Bombers had the instant reply when Jack Darling was caught holding the ball at half back.
Two-metre Peter then drifted across the pack just 20m out directly in front to push Essendon’s lead to double digits.
When Jake Stringer found himself in the perfect spot, he snapped truly as the Bombers started to pull away.
Pavlich lamented the fact young Eagle Harley Reid was “being taught a lesson” by opponent Sam Durham who was able to drift forward and snap Essendon’s fourth straight goal.
By half time, it was Essendon holding a 48-26 lead.
A “clumsy” slap at the footy by Todd Goldstein saw opponent Bailey Williams walked inside 50 to give West Coast the first goal of the half.
“A massive penalty to pay for Todd Goldstein and the Bombers,” Pavlich said.
“It’s a bit harsh,” Schofield added.
“Todd Goldstein would be disappointed with that. It’s gifted West Coast a goal.”
When Jake Kelly failed to rush the footy through on the goal line, Campbell Chesser pounced to get a toe to it and close West Coast to 15 points.
