MAC ANDREW sealed the win on Saturday night, securing Gold Coast a one-point win over Essendon with a goal after the siren.

The Bombers peppered the goals in the last quarter but could never totally put the visitors away.

The defender-turned-forward's fourth goal of the night ensured Gold Coast's 13.9 (87) to 12.14 (86) victory under the Marvel Stadium roof. It came after Andrew drew the ire of Bombers players and fans alike for his role in a melee at half-time.

It really was a rollercoaster of emotions for Essendon fans, who thought their season was still alive after a stunning Andy McGrath run-down tackle late in the game.

Just as young Sun Will Graham threatened to snatch the lead out from under the Bombers, with the seas parting for a three-bounce sprint into attack, McGrath's never-say-die dash protected the lead.

With their backs against the wall, the Bombers found an extra gear in the last quarter and engaged a surge mentality. The Suns, who initially seemed overawed, eventually stood up to the challenge to claim their first win away from home in 18 attempts.

The opening term was played at break-neck speed. Both sides wanted to attack fast, using neat handballs and run and carry in an attempt to isolate their big marking forwards inside 50. Alas, both were also let down by panicked skill errors and poor decision-making going inside 50.

While there were moments of clarity for each club, connecting well with their forwards in the attacking arc, they were also guilty of falling back into the mire for extended periods of time throughout the game.

Essendon's backline was forced to contend with the constant threat that was Ben King, whose three goals and seven marks kept the Suns up for the fight, while Nick Holman (19 disposals, one goal) and Jake Rogers (12 disposals, three marks) brought the heat on the deck.

Zach Merrett's class shone through for the Bombers, able to sidestep out of traffic and power through congestion, but also ready and willing to do the tough defensive stuff. The Essendon captain finished the game with 32 disposals, four clearances, and was supported well by Darcy Parish (27 disposals, four clearances) and Dylan Shiel (24 disposals, six clearances) through the middle.

With Nick Bryan (15 disposals, four clearances) holding his own in the ruck, Sam Draper was released into attack alongside young gun Nate Caddy. It was a combination that worked to great effect, as the pair combined for six goals.

The making of Nate Caddy

Over his seven games coming into the clash with Gold Coast, young Bomber Nate Caddy had kicked six career goals. On Saturday, however, he came into his own and showed exactly why he was so highly rated at the draft, ultimately taken at pick No.10. Caddy commanded the footy inside 50, playing with a real confidence both leading at the ball carrier, and competing beautifully with the Suns' key defenders in the air. His presence became such a worry for Damien Hardwick's side that staunch defender Sam Collins went to him for large periods of the second half. Caddy finished with a personal-best three goals and six marks, in a performance that could really be the making of a young key forward.

Ruck to ruck

As the game was in an armwrestle, Essendon ruck pair Nick Bryan and Sam Draper added a highlight. After Dylan Shiel pounced on a turnover in the middle of the ground, he hit up Bryan who had to bend low to get his hands on the footy. Quick and crisp, Bryan's hands to a running Draper were perfect, and the latter took off. With shades of his Goal of the Year winner back in 2022, Draper found space, running to the arc of 50 and dobbed the major from a distance, igniting the Bombers-heavy crowd.

ESSENDON      4.2    9.4    11.5   12.14 (86)
GOLD COAST   4.3    7.5    11.9   13.9 (87)

GOALS 

Essendon: Draper 3, Caddy 3, Menzie, Stringer, Jones, Caldwell, Durham, Roberts

Gold Coast: Andrew 4, King 3, Walter 2, Flanders 2, Holman, Humphrey

BEST 

Essendon: Merrett, Martin, Redman, Draper, Caddy

Gold Coast: Rowell, Anderson, King, Collins Long, Andrew

INJURIES 

Essendon: Cox (concussion)

Gold Coast: Nil

SUBSTITUTES 

Essendon: Ben Hobbs (replaced Nik Cox in the second quarter)

Gold Coast: David Swallow (replaced Jed Walter in the final quarter)

LATE CHANGES

Essendon: Nil

Gold Coast: Lloyd Johnston (managed) replaced in selected side by Sean Lemmens

Crowd: 29,401 at Marvel Stadium