For three quarters on Saturday night, Essendon bullied and outworked Geelong. The Bombers looked dangerous every time they entered the forward line, and scored most times they did. Then Geelong did all of that for one quarter, and almost won the game.
Thankfully for the Bombers, it was almost. Their 17-point win at the MCG did not come without a huge scare – the Cats got within 11 points after trailing by 40 at the final change – but the Dons were worthy victors after dominating the contest.
The Bombers' 17.8 (110) to 13.15 (93) victory was important for many reasons, not least for getting them back to level pegging at 4-4. But, after losing their last six games to Geelong, and 12 of the clubs' past 13 encounters, the Bombers did to the Cats what they have so regularly had done to them.
Putting aside the Cats' last-quarter charge as Essendon tired, Geelong was harassed by the Bombers. Chris Scott's side registered just 39 tackles to Essendon's 81. The Bombers were dominant in the midfield, outran their opposition and every one of their forwards hit the scoreboard and made an impact.
There has been so much talk out of Essendon about waiting for the team – full of recruits, draftees, returning players and even a couple of retained 'replacements' – "to gel". But the pieces came together seamlessly against the Cats.
David Zaharakis was outstanding through the midfield with 31 disposals, while Zach Merrett's work ethic shone with 12 tackles to go with his 33 disposals. Dyson Heppell (30 disposals) grew as the game wore on, as did Jobe Watson, while 300-gamer James Kelly was important early when it was up for grabs.
Joe Daniher was superb with a game-high five goals to spearhead Essendon's exciting forward line and claimed the inaugural Tom Wills Medal as the best player in the Country Game, while the ever dangerous pairing of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Orazio Fantasia combined for six majors.
Until three-quarter time the Cats were as average as the Bombers were good. Their tepid tackle count spoke volumes of how much they were outworked in their third successive loss, a slide which will worry Scott after their five-straight wins to start the year.
Patrick Dangerfield was probably the Cats' best with 30 disposals and a goal after spending more time in attack in the second half, while Sam Menegola (25 disposals) and captain Joel Selwood were solid. Tom Hawkins kicked four goals and tried hard.
This was an Essendon win built from the start. The Bombers kicked the opening four goals of the game and simultaneously registered their best opening to 2017 while holding the Cats to their lowest of the season (1.5).
Geelong's midfield was being beaten and Essendon's rejigged forward line, with the addition of former Giant James Stewart, looked potent. Stewart kicked two goals in the first quarter as the Bombers took a 27-point advantage into the second term, and all the momentum against a listless and sluggish Geelong outfit.
After two flat weeks, many predicted the Cats to come out firing. But their tally of just six tackles, to Essendon's 22, underlined the lack of intent from the Geelong.
The lift in energy didn't arrive in the second term. Essendon extended its lead to 32 points at the main break through an ascendancy in the midfield and an ability to take the ball out of defence to create scoring chances.
Zaharakis was important. The best and fairest winner has had a quiet season but Geelong allowed him to run loose as he gathered 20 disposals in the first half and linked up well through the centre.
The Bombers weren't prepared to let up in the third term. Daniher's presence in the forward 50 was immense: he took a huge, flying mark, he kicked a goal from the top of the square, another from the pocket after the siren and he almost set up another with a spearing pass. His influence was significant, and Geelong had few answers to stop him.
Daniher's accurate last kick of the term extended Essendon's lead to 40 points at the final change. Geelong's six-goal last term restored some pride, but they had left themselves too much work to do.
MEDICAL ROOM
Essendon: The Bombers appeared to get through the game without any injury concerns.
Geelong: Geelong big man Rhys Stanley hurt his ankle after a marking contest in the dying minutes and was helped from the field. The Cats didn't seem to have any other major worries.
NEXT UP
Essendon returns to Etihad Stadium next Sunday for a clash with West Coast, and the Cats will play their first game of the season at Simonds Stadium when they host the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
ESSENDON 6.2 9.4 14.7 17.8 (110)
GEELONG 1.5 3.8 7.9 13.15 (93)
GOALS
Essendon: Daniher 5, McDonald-Tipungwuti 3, Fantasia 3, Stewart 3, Green 2, Hooker
Geelong: Hawkins 4, Dangerfield 2, Menzel 2, Motlop, Stewart, Horlin-Smith, Parsons, Smith
BEST
Essendon: Daniher, Zaharakis, Merrett, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Kelly, Hurley, Goddard
Geelong: Dangerfield, Menegola, Hawkins, Guthrie
INJURIES
Essendon: Zaharakis (TBC)
Geelong: Stanley (knee)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fisher, Schmitt, McInerney
Official crowd: 57,172 at the MCG
