Essendon’s history against Gold Coast may be short, but there have still been many memorable games against the Suns since the first clash between the sides in 2011.

In this week’s Don this Ground, we look back at a classic milestone game in trying tropical conditions at Metricon Stadium in round three, 2012.

It was club champion Dustin Fletcher’s 350^th match and joining the legend side by side were a couple of fresh faces in Michael Hurley and Tayte Pears, playing just their 50^th senior games.

The Dons entered the clash unbeaten following victories over North Melbourne and Port Adelaide, while the early pressure had already piled onto the Suns after heavy defeats at the hands of Adelaide (by 69 points) and St Kilda (by 92).

From the very first minute of the game, it was clear that the home side was there to make a statement with experienced Sun Jared Brennan getting Gold Coast off the mark with a goal just 58 seconds into the contest.

But the Bombers replied swiftly and in a powerful manner, piling on the next five goals in a blistering 16-minute period to assert their authority.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson battles away in the rain against the Suns. (Image: AFL Photos)

Yet this was a different Suns side to the one that lined up in the opening fortnight. This one refused to lie down and responded with an impressive five-goals-to-two second term as the Bombers held on to a slender five-point lead at the main change.

The impressive fight from Gold Coast continued in the premiership quarter, bouncing back from dangerous Bomber Leroy Jetta’s opening goal four minutes into the term to nail five of the next six goals and push out to a 13-point lead.

Brilliant skipper Jobe Watson then did what he does best, settling the side with a sensational ‘captain’s goal’ through a classy snap in the rain-soaked conditions to keep his team in touch at the final change, seven points adrift of the Suns.

His massive impact continued in the final quarter, putting his textbook grunt to great use and setting up the first two of five last-term goals as Essendon regained the ascendency.

Essendon speedster Alwyn Davey breaks away for a goal in the last quarter. (Image: AFL Photos)

The valiant Suns had run out of juice, kicking just one goal in the fourth term as the Bombers proved too strong.

The clear highlight of the match when the game was in the balance was a simply outrageous snap goal from experienced Don Paddy Ryder, launching a monstrous curler from the verge of the 50m arch just inside the boundary line.

Fletcher was inspirational in his huge milestone game, playing every single minute of the clash and claiming 20 disposals, 11 one percenters and six rebound 50s as the Bombers pushed away for a 17-point victory.

Just as in his previous 349 games, the veteran was there to stand up when it counted, throwing his head over the ball to desperately dive into important contests on multiple occasions in the final 10 minutes with the game on the line. 

Fletcher, sandwiched by Pears and Hurley, celebrates a successful 350^th game. (Image: AFL Photos)

Gary Ablett Jr deservedly received the three Brownlow votes, gathering 45 of his talented team’s 352 disposals alongside 27 contested possessions, 13 clearances, nine inside 50s and two goals in a remarkable display at the height of his powers.

Watson was rewarded with two votes for his classic performance racking up 25 disposals, 20 contested possessions, eight clearances, five inside 50s, five tackles and two important goals, while versatile Essendon forward Stewart Crameri took home one vote after claiming 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions, four goals and two goal assists.

Jetta (24 disposals, two goals and two goal assists), Angus Monfries (28 disposals, 12 contested possessions and eight inside 50s) and Ben Howlett (24 disposals, 16 contested possessions and seven clearances) were among the other Bombers to impress.

The next clash between the sides is set to begin at 4:40pm this Sunday back at Metricon Stadium as the Bombers look to make it five wins on the trot.

This flashback is brought to you by DON Smallgoods.