A final quarter drop-off has seen the VFL Bombers fall to an eight-point defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Collingwood.
Despite Essendon having the ascendancy across the first three quarters and leading by as many as 26 points at one stage, Collingwood booted seven goals on the trot to charge to a 14.13 (97) to 11.13 (89) victory at Victoria Park.
It was a disappointing finish for Leigh Tudor’s men, especially given the early marked improvement from last weekend’s loss at home to Casey.
The Dons trailed by a slim margin going into the first change, working their way into the contest through the efforts of the livewire Sam Conforti and a steadying goal from Brad Bernacki.
A big four-goal second quarter saw the Dons begin to break away, with Quinton Narkle starring through the midfield and Pat Voss providing an important presence further up the ground.
When Tex Wanganeen broke free to slot back-to-back goals in the third term, it looked like the Bombers were ready to put the foot down.
It wasn’t to be though, as Collingwood were sparked into action by the brilliance of Josh Carmichael, who got the crowd up and running with a massive goal from 55 metres out.
Despite a last-ditch rally from the Dons through goals from Brad Lynch and John Jorgensen, it proved to be far too little, too late.
There were still positive signs for the Essendon faithful, highlighted by a monstrous outing in the ruck from Nick Bryan, continuing to impress in just his second game back from injury.
Bryan ended up registering 45 hitouts to go with 18 disposals in a busy day at the office.
Jorgensen also shone brightly for the Bombers’ tall timber, finishing his afternoon with five goals in a stellar display pushing forward.
In welcome news, Zach Reid looked solid in his long-awaited return from a back injury on managed minutes, providing some good contests in the back half alongside Lewis Hayes.
The Dons can take plenty of lessons away from a frustrating second half of footy and will look to bounce back against Werribee at the NEC Hangar on Sunday, May 7 after the bye.
COLLINGWOOD 4.2 5.6 9.9 14.13 (97)
ESSENDON 3.4 7.7 11.8 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Essendon: Jorgenssen (5), Wanganeen (2), Lynch (2), Munkara, Hoare, Conforti, Bernacki
Essendon Best: Narkle, Jorgensen, Rasinac, Bernacki, Bryan
