Essendon VFL has completed a stunning comeback to defeat Geelong by 13 points after trailing by as much as 42 points midway through the third term.
The VFL Bombers looked down and out for most the day, with the Cats able to answer every challenge.
However the Bombers piled on seven unanswered goals in the final term to pull off a stunning turnaround.
“The first three quarters were pretty inconsistent in playing the way we want to play, and we allowed them to score some easy goals,” VFL Coach Paul Corrigan said.
“In that last quarter I thought we really got back on top.
“We played a lot in our forward half, we defended a lot better and actually used the ball a lot better inside 50.”
Corrigan said he was particularly proud of the side for sticking to what they knew.
“It’s them having that belief,” he said.
“Good sides are going to get their hands on the footy, but it’s how we respond to that.”
Daniel Coghlan was outstanding. The classy midfielder gathered 29 disposals, had seven clearances and booted a goal in a best-on-ground performance.
“Cogs is one of those guys you rely on each week,” Corrigan said.
“I really feel his year has been building and building and he has been playing some really good football at the moment. He’s really important for us on the inside, but also on the outside.”
Courtenay Dempsey spent the day in attack and booted four goals.
“He looked really dangerous up there for us,” Corrigan sais.
“But what I loved was his forward pressure - his tackling and chasing. He really kept us in that game in the first three quarters and help set up the win.”
Paul Chapman, Adam Cooney and Heath Hocking all got through the win unscathed. The trio played valuable roles throughout, all booting a goal each.
Essendon VFL faces another big test next weekend when it comes up against reining premiers Footscray Bulldogs.
“They’ve been travelling really well and they’re a quality side,” Corrigan said.
“We’re going to have to be on our game again next week and hopefully we can bring it from the start and be real consistent through the four quarter and not rely on the last.”
Essendon 15.9 (99) defeated Geelong 13.8 (86)
Goals:
Essendon: C.Dempsey 4, K.Hardingham 2, H.Hocking, J.Giles, A.Hickey, P.Chapman, C.McKenna, J.Polkinghorne, A.Cooney, K.Aylett, D.Coghlan
Geelong: D.Menzel 2, N.Vardy 2, J.Sheringham 2, T.Maas, D.Gore, J.Linton, J.Hollmer, S.Blease, K.Paliouras, J.Jansen
Best:
Essendon: D.Coghlan, C.Dempsey, J.Polkinghorne, T.Pears, A.Cooney, K.Hardingham
Geelong: G.Horlin-Smith, J.Sheringham, D.Menzel, D.Gore, S.Robinson, T.Ruggles
