Essendon has outlasted Box Hill to claim a thrilling 14-point win in a grandstand finish at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday.
After going into three-quarter-time one point ahead, the Bombers had to reclaim the lead four times in a chaotic final term.
It took a glorious goal on the run from Nick Hind with six minutes remaining to give Essendon breathing space before Matt Leuenberger’s second goal from the pocket iced the cake on a galvanising 9.11 (65) to 7.9 (51) victory.
With a top four place up for grabs, Box Hill got off to a hot start as its overlap run and carry put the Bombers under real pressure in the first quarter. The Hawks pressed on to a 15-point lead before Essendon countered their aggression by winning the ball first and driving forward through the centre of the ground.
With Travis Colyer and Jayden Laverde proving dangerous playing as high forwards, Essendon slammed on 5.3 while Box Hill went scoreless.
Box Hill fought back in the third quarter and kicked three goals to none before a point after the siren from Jordan Houlahan gave his side the narrowest of leads at the final change.
Brendan Whitecross snatched the lead back for Box Hill inside the first minute before Leuenberger made the most of his turn up forward to put the Bombers back in front. Danny Younan and Hind combined to give their side the upper hand after Oliver Hanrahan bit back for Box Hill and it was up to Leuenberger to land the final blow.
Match-winning goal aside, Nick Hind added another outstanding performance to an already stellar season with his run and carry, accumulating 27 touches and improving on his output quarter-by-quarter.
AFL Bombers Jordan Ridley (31 disposals), Laverde, Kobe Mutch and Dylan Clarke (23) were all prolific and Jake Long (21) stood tall in the first half as he made space with his run and ball movement.
The cool efficiency under pressure of defenders Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Michael Hartley in the last quarter was as pivotal as any scoreboard impact.
The work rate of Sam Draper in the ruck and around the ground earned praise from coach Dan Jordan, who applauded the effort and attack that saw his side win its seventh match for the season and finish round 12 in third position.
“It was forward entry, weight of numbers, we had a bit more of the ball, particularly after halfway through the first quarter,” Jordan said.
“Good sides have to be aggressive and not be intimidated by sides.”
The Bombers will travel to Casey next Saturday from 2.10.
ESSENDON 0.0 5.3 5.8 9.11.65
BOX HILL 2.3 2.3 5.7 7.9.51
GOALS
Essendon – Leuenberger 2, Hind, Younan, Heppell, Colyer, Hartley, Laverde, Houlahan
Box Hill – Lewis 3, Ross 2, Whitecross, Hanrahan
BEST
Ridley, Hind, Hartley, Draper, Leuenberger, Francis
