A score after the siren from Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti secured a thrilling one-point VFL victory for Essendon over the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday.
It was a spirited return to Windy Hill for the Bombers, producing arguably their finest performance of the season against the ladder-leading Suns.
Essendon brought the heat right from the early stages, taking slim leads into every change and even breaking out to a 24-point lead midway through the third term.
A pulsating final quarter would see six lead changes, the Bombers even trailing as late as the 30-minute mark before mustering an inspired final rally.
After two near misses saw the scores level, a clever and composed Tex Wanganeen forward entry found McDonald-Tipungwuti, who marked 30 metres from goal virtually as the siren sounded.
Only needing a behind to seal victory, the kick sparked scenes of jubilation as the Bombers returned to the winners list in memorable fashion.
Elijah Tsatas set the tone for the Bombers’ midfield group, amassing 34 disposals and six clearances in a dominant display out of the centre.
The synergy between Nick Bryan and his rovers provided a huge advantage, with Alwyn Davey Jnr’s creativity at the stoppages proving a genuine factor as the Bombers charged home in the final minutes.
The desperate defensive efforts of Nik Cox were integral, including a play which saw a key smother and multiple tackling efforts rewarded with a free kick at a crucial stage of the contest.
Nick Hind and Joel Fitzgerald’s final quarters also provided a spark for the Bombers from the last line, generating important counter-attacks in clutch moments.
The win will provide a massive confidence boost for the Bombers as they rest for the upcoming bye, before setting their sights on a round 17 clash with Geelong the following week.
ESSENDON 2.3 6.3 8.5 11.11 (77)
GOLD COAST 2.1 4.3 7.4 12.4 (76)
Goals: Jorgensen 2, Voss 2, Munkara 2, Conforti 2, Cootee, Cox, Wanganeen
Best: Tsatas, Davey Jnr, Bryan, Cox, Hind
