Essendon was overrun by Geelong in the final quarter to lose by 45 points at a rain-soaked GMHBA Stadium in round 14.
In its second match in a row against a top four side, the Bombers showed great fight and structural discipline for the first three quarters.
However, the gruelling restraint around the stoppages in slippery conditions took its toll as Essendon conceded four goals in the final 10 minutes against the experienced Cats to lose 2.2 (14) to 8.11 (59).
In the first quarter, Geelong was on top as it locked the ball inside its half and piled on three goals to none.
However, the Bombers found their footing in the second quarter and held their ground against a side with eight AFLW players: from the 17-minute mark of the second quarter to the eight-minute mark of the fourth, Essendon did not allow the third-placed Geelong to kick a goal.
Throughout, the Bombers doggedly fought at stoppages, led by the tackling and second efforts of Hayley Bullas and Lisa Williams.
With ball in hand, the Bombers were aggressive and direct and broke the lines coming out of defence. Bec Neaves and Courtney Ugle relished the opportunity to turn back the tide as Essendon looked a progressively more dangerous outfit as the match wore on.
Indeed, the sight of Bullas going toe-to-toe with Geelong AFLW enforcer Richelle Cranston summed up Essendon’s refusal to allow the Cats to dictate terms on their home patch.
Monique De Matteo soccered through her side’s first in the third quarter following a desperate sprint through the forward half. The other Bomber major came through Alex Quigley, who defied the wet with a cool shimmy and goal on the run in the last quarter.
Although the Cats had the Bombers at arms’ length on the scoreboard for much of the contest, it wasn’t until late that they were able to flex their muscle as the Bombers began to tire. The margin blew out from 21 to 45 by the final siren.
“Across the second and third quarters, we were really solid,” coach Brendan Major said after the match.
“There was great growth in ball use this week and we exited the defensive 50 really well at times. We have to play consistent, disciplined football next week. We won’t get sucked into being results focused.”
Essendon will play ninth-placed Williamstown next week in a match that will see new rules trialled for VFL Women’s.
ESSENDON 0.1 0.1 1.1 2.2 (14)
GEELONG 3.2 4.4 4.10 8.11 (59)
GOALS
Essendon – De Matteo, Quigley
Geelong – Clifford 2, Orr 2, Fogas, Darby, Burchell, Trevean
BEST
Nalder, Bullas, Neaves, Morecroft, De Matteo, Cornish
