Unfortunately for Essendon the result of the first semi final was a repeat of the corresponding match last year. Port Adelaide was too strong and outclassed Essendon. The Bombers had no answers for Port and their season came to an end. Despite the disappointment of losing this evening, Essendon can take a lot of positives out of the season. At the half-way mark of the year, the team looked in danger of missing the finals all together with a 5:7 win loss ratio.

Essendon can be proud of making the finals and recording history as the first away team to win a final at Subiaco. Essendon showed the future is bright at the club with the performance against Fremantle in the first Elimination Final last week and the consistent and exciting form they showed in the second half of the season.

Tonight at AAMI Stadium, it was a case of a young Essendon side being outclassed by an experienced Port Adelaide outfit. Port were fired up from the opening bounce and handled the wet conditions with skill and class. Essendon struggled with the damp conditions and didn’t quite have the leg speed to match it with Port’s run.

Essendon played catch-up footy all evening after Port opened the match with two quick goals. They ran in numbers all match and Essendon were unable to shut them down.The Bombers had their opportunities in the second quarter, however two misses from close set shots proved costly and Port headed into the main break with a 16-point lead. Port continued to dominate on the scoreboard in the second half to win by a 39-point margin.

Dean Rioli was one of Essendon’s best performers and finished as the equal highest possession getter with Scott Lucas. Rioli worked hard in the centre and was in and under the packs to give his side first possession of the ball. Lucas also worked tirelessly all evening across half back. He finished with 20 kicks and three handballs. Lucas capped off what has been a fantastic season for the 25-year-old. He has reinvented himself at centre half back this year and was unlucky to miss out on All Australian selection.

Essendon will travel back to Melbourne tomorrow morning and the players will undergo fitness assessments early in the week before going on leave. Season 2003 has had its share of highs and lows for Bomber fans, but as usual the team has given 100% all season and been competitive in every game. The BomberLand website will review what was the 2003 season in greater depth in the coming weeks.