1. Farewell Goddard, but is it the end?
Have we seen the last of Brendon Goddard? After being told his time at Essendon would end after the Power game, the 33-year-old said he'd weigh up his future. It looked like a farewell appearance before and after the match, running through the banner with his children and chaired off the ground by Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker, but his performance on the field suggested otherwise. The veteran collected 27 possessions at 92 per cent efficiency. A few clubs have already ruled out recruiting the former Saint, but surely there are other teams who could do with his professionalism, durability and thirst for the contest. While he's not at the peak of his powers, he's averaged over 22 possessions throughout 2018 – handy numbers in anyone's language.
2. Power stunned by another Bombers ambush
There'll be some top-eight sides relieved Essendon is not in the finals race. The Bombers produced a frightening first quarter that left the home side shell-shocked. The 6.4 to 1.1 scoreboard was a product of 18 inside 50s, a plus-six clearance count, 19-9 tackles and three goals from Jayden Laverde. The Bombers' raid wouldn't come as too much of a surprise for Power supporters who've watched Essendon bully their side before. In round 12 last year it was a 7.6 to 1.3 first-quarter blowout, earlier this year it was 5.2 to 2.2. The Power weren't switched on from the start, made clear when Brad Ebert had to come to the bench before the opening bounce because he'd been named on the interchange.
3. Bright outlook for Bombers
Both teams have finished the season with a 12-10 record but Essendon takes high hopes into 2019 while the Power look shattered and with plenty of problems to fix over summer. After a 2-6 start to the season, Essendon finished with a wet sail, winning 10 of its remain 14 matches. The match against Port highlighted the speed of the Bombers' midfield, their ability to score quickly and a hunger for the contest. A refreshed Joe Daniher will make them even more dangerous next season. The Power lost six of their last seven matches, averaging just 70 points in that horror stretch. The forward line looked lost without Charlie Dixon, but even his return won't guarantee a goal rush and their best playmaker Jared Polec is likely to hop to another club. It's hard to say if a spirited final quarter would have appeased or frustrated the Port faithful.
4. Professional Polly pushes to the line
Jared Polec has delivered another performance that'll leave Port Adelaide with a bittersweet taste. In what could be his last appearance in the black, white and teal he collected 18 kicks and 12 handballs, doing some of his best work when the Power were under the pump. The wingman's ball use is elite (a class above most of his teammates) and his ability to break the lines generates plenty of opportunities for his teammates. Unfortunately for Port money and job security, rather than an AFL career at home, will likely see the 25-year-old at North Melbourne next year. Polec is a one-of-a-kind for the Power so they'll be sniffing around for a like-for-like recruit if he makes the move.
5. Billy debuts but was he ready?
The Power have been reluctant to play Billy Frampton, even when Paddy Ryder has been injured, claiming the young ruckman is not ready to take on the big boys of the AFL just yet. However, with the season all but over, and with Ryder managing a sore hip, Ken Hinkley decided to debut Frampton against the Bombers. It appears Kenny was on the money after all, at least when it comes to using him as a frontline ruckman. The 21-year-old's effort couldn't be faulted, but he found the going tough against Essendon ruckman Matthew Leuenberger at centre bounces. He was more promising as a forward, clunking a couple of marks. If nothing else it reinforces Port's need to recruit a quality forward/ruckman as a back-up for Paddy Ryder. Scott Lycett – the West Coast and former SANFL Magpie - is sure to be on top of the list.
