Essendon was outgunned by Geelong by 28 points in wet conditions at GMHBA Stadium in round 19.
The Bombers were undermanned all game after losing AFL players Josh Green, Jordan Ridley and Jayden Laverde to late changes before the match but nonetheless fought on against the third-placed Cats.
It was a match where Essendon never wanted for intensity, particular at the contests, but lacked the firepower to win in the 4.6 (30) to 8.10 (58) result.
The surface was well-hydrated by the first bounce and players had to endure the rain coming and going throughout the match. Early on, it was the Bombers who were more effective with ball in hand – despite having fewer entries inside 50 – and goals to Luke Collins and Sam Draper saw the red and black sneak a narrow quarter-time lead.
However, by the 10-minute mark of the third quarter, Geelong was 26 points clear and threatening to run away with the match. The Cats had outnumbered the Bombers around the footy to have more forward entry and kick five unanswered goals on a night when the rain made any major a valuable commodity.
At that point, Essendon could have allowed the match to slip away, but the efforts of individual players halted Geelong’s momentum. Inspired by a prolific performance from Trent Mynott as well as leadership group members Aaron Heppell and Nick Hind standing up to have an impact after sustaining heavy knocks, the Bombers had the best of the last 20 minutes to go into the final break with faint hopes still alight.
Geelong landed the first blow of the final quarter and from there the mountain was too steep for Essendon. Although Jordan Houlahan landed a goal to cap off a night when he had worked hard to create chances, it was the only bright light in a weary final term.
Mynott’s tireless work around the ball received high praise from coach Dan Jordan, who described the 18-year-old’s performance as “his best game for the club”.
Bruno Laguda ran the match out in his return from an ACL injury, while Calder Cannons and James Hird Academy graduate Daniel Hanna received a wrap from Jordan after making his debut.
“He played on some quality opponents and didn’t look out of place. A couple of the grabs he took were really important for us in terms of being one on ones when we were outnumbered at ground level,” Jordan said.
“Geelong’s drive probably had a bit more polish,” reflected Jordan.
“Our work around the stoppages was pretty good but I think that what hurt us was Geelong’s outside men. They probably had quality forward entry as opposed to our rushed kicks.”
The loss leaves the Bombers needing to win its last two games to keep its finals chances alive.
Essendon returns to Windy Hill to play Footscray in round 20 next Saturday from 12pm.
ESSENDON 2.2 2.5 3.6 4.6 (30)
GEELONG 1.4 4.5 6.7 8.10 (58)
GOALS
Essendon – Collins, Draper, Leuenberger, Houlahan
Geelong – Murdoch 3, Buzza 2, Jones, Horlin-Smith, Taylor
BEST
Essendon – Mynott, Heppell, Mutch, Draper, Hind, Hartley
