18

David Zaharakis and Dyson Heppell had 18 handball receives each. The Bombers dominated this stat (146-103) highlighting the difference in game styles. Carlton was happy to go forward using short kicks, while Essendon wanted to run and break the lines. 

15.1

Brendon Goddard and Michael Hartley covered 15.1 kilometres throughout the game. Dyson Heppell covered 15 kilometres in the midfield. Goddard spent most of the game across half-back while Hartley spent time on Levi Casboult.

5

Cale Hooker had a brilliant final quarter that included five marks, three scoring shots, six disposals and two inside 50s.  He missed two set shots in the last quarter, but converted a late goal to put the Bombers in front.

11

Between the 20 minute mark of the first quarter and the 17 minute mark of the third quarter, the Bombers had a run of 11 consecutive behinds. In this time the Blues kicked five goals to turn a 25 point deficit into a three point lead. 

16

At the 16 minute mark of the last quarter the Bombers were down by 12 points. The Dons then recorded six of the next seven scores in the match to win the game. In the final 11 minutes of the game the Bombers kicked 3.3.21 to Carlton’s 0.1.1.

56

With three games to play, Joe Daniher leads the Coleman Medal count with 56 goals. Josh Kennedy (54), Lance Franklin (52) and Ben Brown (51) are close behind. Daniher kicked three goals against the Blues and has kicked at least one goal in every match so far this season.

135

Michael Hurley has recorded 135 rebounds from the defensive 50 this season, 23 more than any other player in the competition. He’s averaging 7.1 per game and recorded eight against the Blues.

8 

Essendon is in the top eight with three games to play. St Kilda’s win over West Coast enabled the Dons to stay in eighth position. Four teams (Essendon, West Coast, Melbourne and St Kilda) are locked on 40 points. The Demons and Saints play against each other this weekend, the Eagles host the Blues and the Bombers take on Adelaide.