The Bear delivers again
Michael Hurley produced another dominant display in what is surely another All Australian year for the key defender. The 27 year old was opposed to Sam Reid and the Swan definitely had his moments, ending the match with nine marks and a goal.
But it was Hurley's ability to not only occupy Reid, but also simultaneously help his fellow defenders and kick start the Dons attack. Hurley was often the first player across to lend assistance to Michael Hartley on Lance Franklin and recorded nine rebounds from the defensive 50.
Hurley ended the match with 30 disposals for just the second time of his career. The last time he gathered 30 disposals was in round 18 against St Kilda in 2010 as a 20 year old.
Pigeon deals with some extra chirp
Targeting specific opponents has been in vogue across the AFL in recent weeks but while some players haven’t responded well, Andrew McGrath can be well satisfied with the way he dealt with a little extra heat from the Swans.
There was nothing overly aggressive but there were certainly a few extra bumps and some ‘words of advice’ for the number one draft pick.
But the calmness that has been a feature of McGrath’s game all season remained. He ended the night with 13 disposals and distributed the ball at an efficiency rate of 92.3 per cent.
The bulls bounce back
Sydney dominated the clearances in the first half and held a 15-8 advantage in that area midway through the second term.
But the big bodied Bombers midfielders were able to make the necessary adjustments and match the Swans after the break. The home side still led the final clearance count (36-30) but the Dons ability to make it a more even contest in the second half enabled the side to get back into the match.
Zach Merrett led the way with eight clearances, the best of any player on the ground.
Hardened warriors
It’s not hard to see why Mark Baguley is a two-time winner of the Adam Ramanauskas Award for the Club’s Most Courageous player.
There is nothing flashy about his play but every week he gets the job done. Like Hurley, Baguley is quick to provide defensive cover for his teammates while also getting the job done on his direct opponent.
Baguley ensured the Swans small forwards were kept in check in a typically disciplined and determined performance. Having not made his AFL debut until he was 25 years old, the former Frankston Dolphin has now played 95 games.
Ben Howlett has had to work hard for every opportunity this season and produced his best game of the year against the Swans. He collected 16 disposals (eight contested), laid six tackles and had four inside 50s. The conditions suited his aggressive style and Howlett delivered with several crunching hits throughout the night.
And hats off to Michael Hartley who held Lance Franklin goalless (sure he did kick six points). Hartley ended the game with 11 one percenters, four more than any other player on the ground.
Playing fast
On a slippery night it was difficult for either side to string many chains of possession together. But in a 27-minute burst either side of the three quarter time break, the Dons booted seven goals to go from 24 points down to 19 points up.
The Bombers held the advantage in the clearances during this time and through quick ball movement and run from the back half, the Bombers were able to get the ball over the back of the Sydney defence.
It hurts…
Yep, it does. Those last few minutes will sting.
But there have been plenty of painful moments over the last few years and every time Essendon players and fans have bounced back.
