Your recap of news from the NEC Hangar this week.

Bombers blast Crows in Marvel shootout 

A blistering 12-goal first half from Essendon set the tone for a critical 18-point win against Adelaide on Sunday. 

The Bombers brought a high-octane game against the Crows at Marvel Stadium and held up firmly on the defensive end when the Crows threatened to come back late. 

Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish combined for 78 disposals in monstrous outings, with Dyson Heppell’s 13-disposal third quarter also ensuring some stability at the back for the Dons. 

Young guns Nic Martin and Ben Hobbs continued their exciting form, while Peter Wright and Kyle Langford piled on three goals each. 

The Bombers look on to an encounter with Geelong at GMHBA this Saturday night, which promises to be a tantalising fixture. 

Skipper cracks double-century 

Essendon captain Zach Merrett will reach the 200-game milestone against the Cats this week. 

Since joining the Bombers in late 2013, the 27-year-old Merrett has established himself as one of the most consistent midfielders in the game. 

Merrett has been a standout in his first season as skipper, averaging 29 disposals per game in a resurgent 2023 season for the Dons so far. 

VFLW Bombers advance on finals run 

Essendon’s VFLW side have found themselves one win away from a second-consecutive grand final berth, securing a 10-point win over Box Hill in their elimination final on Saturday. 

The group’s defensive efforts were prominent as the Hawks looked to close the margin late, continually standing up and intercepting off half-back. 

The Bombers will now take on Collingwood at Victoria Park in their semi-final at 1pm on Saturday, July 15. 

Equipped with a second chance, a win would see the Dons automatically qualify for the Grand Final. 

Injury update: Ridley escapes knee scare 

Dons defender Jordan Ridley remains an outside chance to take on Geelong this weekend after suffering bone bruising in the win over Adelaide. 

Ridley hyperextended his left knee during the third quarter, eventually being subbed out, but scans this week showed no signs of structural damage.

MRO: Phillips to miss Cats clash

Toogood and Cain to go again 

AFLW Bombers Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain were last week named as 2023’s club co-captains for a second season running. 

The leadership group will be rounded out by Georgia Nanscawen, Jacqui Vogt, and a new member in gun midfielder Maddy Prespakis.