It’s been nearly a decade since Essendon took on Brisbane at the MCG, but the sides will once again clash at the home of football on Saturday afternoon.

The return to the ‘G has gifted us a chance to look back on what was a heart-stopping game in round 19 in 2009, when a controversial call helped the Lions secure a draw after the final siren had blown.

The Bombers started well that evening with key forward Jay Neagle booting the first goal of the match just a minute into the game, helping the Dons kick the four of the first five.

Jobe Watson and Jay Neagle celebrate an early goal against the Lions in 2009.

Two late goals to Brisbane quickly got them back on their feet before the first change and from there the Lions took control, kicking the first three majors of the second term to gain the ascendency.

But it was to be a seesawing contest as six of the next seven goals went the Bombers’ way, reducing the Lions’ lead to just one point at the main break.

A strong effort booting five goals to two in the third quarter, including two more to Neagle late in the term, helped Essendon take the upper hand into the last term, but Brisbane refused to fold.

Three goals in the first seven minutes of the final quarter quickly turned the match, however important goals to Irishman Michael Quinn and versatile forward Angus Monfries had the game back in the Bombers’ grasp.

Michael Quinn reacts to booting a final-term goal, levelling the scores against Brisbane.

The inaccurate Lions continued to pepper the goals to no avail, with goalless star forward Jonathan Brown kicking his fifth behind 25 minutes into the term to narrow the margin to just six points.

A costly error with 30 seconds left on the clock allowed Brown to force a stoppage deep inside Essendon’s defensive 50, and a desperate snap out of the contest from the same man saw the ball float to the goal square with seven seconds remaining.

The result would come down to a single contest between veteran Dustin Fletcher and experienced Lion Daniel Bradshaw.

Fletcher had been outstanding throughout the match, gathering 21 disposals, 11 one percenters and eight rebound 50s, while Bradshaw had been quiet with 10 disposals and just one goal.

But amidst the chaos and pressure, it was Bradshaw who came out on top. The key forward clutched the ball before spilling it as he hit the ground under Fletcher’s intense pressure.

Did he hold on to it long enough? Umpire Justin Schmitt thought so, and Bradshaw comfortably put the ball through for a goal after the siren to secure two premiership points.

Justin Schmitt declares a mark for Daniel Bradshaw with seconds remaining.

Lions ruckman Mitch Clark was awarded three Brownlow votes for his outstanding performance claiming 28 disposals, 31 hitouts and six inside-50s.

Star on-baller Jobe Watson’s strong effort for the Bombers (32 disposals, 14 contested possessions and a goal) was rewarded with two votes, while Brisbane midfielder Simon Black (23 disposals, 10 tackles and two goal assists) claimed one vote.

10 years on and both sides will once again fight it out on the hallowed turf with plenty to play for. The undefeated Lions enter the match as one of the league’s form teams, while the Bombers have regained some confidence following a brave victory over Melbourne last week.

Battling away in the traditional Saturday afternoon timeslot at the MCG, it is sure to be another cracker.

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