Essendon got off to the ideal start this afternoon against Melbourne. The Bombers turned on a six goal to one opening term and it appeared as though it would be a case of how much will the final margin be. The Demons had other ideas and fought its way back into the match to be within five points at half-time. Essendon had to fight hard in the second half to fend off a determined Melbourne outfit and secure the four points.

Paul Barnard and Mark Mercuri were late inclusions into the team when the skipper James Hird (slight hamstring strain) and youngster Jason Winderlich (groin) were late withdrawals. Not only was it an opportunity for the pair to come back into the senior side after a stint in the VFL, it was also a chance for Barnard to play his 150th game. A milestone that had been impending for the last few weeks.

“The important thing is that we won the match. It was a crucial game for us and it is no secret we need to keep winning to keep our finals aspirations alive,” Barnard said. Barnard agreed it was disappointing to see the quarter-time lead dwindle away to five points at the major break. “We went away from our game plan and they kicked five quick goals to put them back in the match.

“It was hard work in the wet conditions but we kept persisting and working hard and in the end we came away with the win. The win was crucial to keep in touch with the top eight. We need to win the next three to four to have every chance of making the finals,” Barnard said.

The only disappointing news to come out of the win was the injury to Andrew Welsh. Welsh left the match 15 minutes into the first quarter with a suspected shoulder injury. He took no further part in the match and at this stage the severity of the injury is not fully known. Despite missing today’s match, at this stage Hird is likely to be available for the match against Carlton next week.