A third-quarter fade-out consigned Essendon to its fourth straight defeat at the hands of Collingwood at Windy Hill in Round 16.
After a high-scoring first quarter, the Bombers clawed their way to a narrow lead at halftime after a late goal to Josh Green, who was one of no fewer than 11 goal scorers Essendon fielded on the day.
However, the Magpies slammed on five goals in a 20-minute third-quarter run to set up a 26-point buffer at the final change. Although Essendon struck quickly in the fourth quarter through Matt Leuenberger, Collingwood was able to answer and then soak up the clock to still be holding their three-quarter time lead at the final siren, 14.14 (98) to 11.6 (72).
Michael Hartley gave a commanding performance in defence, racking up counter-offensive intercept marks and spoiling with authority. He was supported by Aaron Francis, who marked his return to VFL by playing well in the backline while also offering run through the midfield at times a week after travelling to Queensland with the AFL side.
Across wing and half forward, captain Heath Hocking played with his customary meritorious drive
Leuenberger and Kobe Mutch both came from the field under the blood rule after knocks to the head but were cleared of any major damage after the match.
The loss leaves Essendon in eighth position going into its third bye round of the season, although the Bombers’ healthy percentage gives them a good chance of hanging onto a
After a tough fixture that has seen Essendon play four top six sides in five weeks, coach Dan Jordan was able to reflect on what his side needs to do in its final four matches to ensure September action.
“For the most part we executed defensively fairly well but the ball movement, particularly in the second half, was costly on turnovers, so we weren’t able to convert in scoring opportunities,” said Jordan.
“We’re well within the mix,” says the coach of his side’s finals chances.
“We haven’t played as consistently as we would have liked over the last few weeks … at this stage, it’s just about rediscovering a bit of that defensive effort and pressure that’s been a significant aspect of the first part of the year and also to convert our scoring opportunities as well.”
After the Round 17 bye, Essendon will play Port Melbourne at North Port Oval in the Round 18 White Ribbon Round from
Essendon 4.2 7.4 9.4 11.6 (72)
Collingwood 6.2 6.5 12.12 14.14 (98)
Best – (Ess) Hartley, Heppell, Francis, Hocking, Draper, Mutch.
Goals – (Ess) Collins, Francis, Mynott, Hocking, Stewart, Green, Merrett, Laverde, Harrison, Leuenberger, Younan
(Coll) Fasolo 3, Elliott 2, Wellings 2, Smith 2, Chippendale, Blair, McLarty, Jok, Aish
