Essendon has stormed home to claim a 61 point victory over Geelong at Windy Hill Oval on Saturday.
The Bombers started slowly, heading into the first break two goals behind the Cats, but after five unanswered goals in the second quarter, the Dons took control.
Tom Bellchambers, Alex Boyse and Alex Merklew were the standouts in the forward half, booting three goals each.
“They contributed really well, especially Boyse who got us going in that second quarter. He was really lively up there,” Coach Paul Corrigan said.
Shaun McKernan left the field at quarter time with an injury, meaning the Bombers had to make some structural adjustments.
“We had to change a few things round, lower our vision going inside 50 because we didn’t have the taller targets,” Corrigan said.
“He (Boyse) really gave us that firepower up there and kicked some goals.
“T-Bell - we had to push him forward late in the second half and that gave us a focal point.
“He was really good in the contest up there, took a couple of really strong marks and was able to reward himself on the scoreboard with three goals.”
Craig Bird was the game's leading possession-winner with 37 touches and one goal.
“He has been super consistent. I thought today he was our best player. His work inside, his clearance work around the stoppages, and his ability to get his hands on the ball and get it outside to our runners was fantastic,” Corrigan said.
The Bombers Coach praised the side’s ability to finish off throughout the game.
“I think its composure more than anything. I think we’ve been playing some really good football in the previous two weeks, but obviously we haven’t converted in front of goal,” Corrigan said.
“I think today we gave ourselves good opportunities by getting the ball inside 50, gave guys shots on goal and the guys were able to deliver.
“If we get those shots on goal then I’m sure we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win the game.”
The Cats had the lead at the first break but the Bombers were able to turn the game around for the final three quarters.
“Obviously we had some things in place that we wanted to take care of – the contest probably being the main thing early on,” Corrigan said.
“We were a little bit scratchy in that first quarter but I could see that the guys were trying to implement the way we wanted to play with our ball movement.
“I thought in the second quarter we started to execute that a lot better and we were able to replicate that in the third and fourth quarter and come away with a good win in the end.”
Essendon has two wins after five rounds.
ESSENDON 17.14.116
GEELONG 8.7.55
GOALS: Bellchambers 3, Boyse 3, Marklew 3, Begley 2, Langford 2, Merrett, Bird, Howlett, Holmes
DISPOSALS: Bird 37, McNiece 28, Stanton 24, Merrett 24
