Hird had many partners in crime who helped the team demolish St.Kilda by 68-points. One of the main culprits was vice-captain Matthew Lloyd. Lloyd finished the match with eight goals – the most he has kicked on one occasion this season. The dual Coleman Medallist dominated in the air and took nine marks for the match. Ted Richards was also a prominent fixture in the forward line. He came on mid-way through the second term and his first touch resulted in a Lloyd goal. Moments later he snapped a goal to give his side a 28-points lead at half-time. Richards also provided a contest and his second and third efforts resulted in a number of St.Kilda turnovers.
Jason Johnson worked hard all game in the mid-field. He continually put his body on the line and went in and won the hard ball. He accumulated 27 disposals for the match. In his 100th performance Mark Johnson was also a solid contributor. Although he didn’t feature in the top of the statistics his attack on the football always ensured Essendon was in the contest.
The most impressive thing about Essendon’s performance was it continued the intensity and pressure in the second half. St.Kilda threw everything they had at Essendon but it wasn’t enough. They managed to come within 21-points midway through the third term but Essendon steam rolled them from that point onwards. Dustin Fletcher rebounded everything in defence and had good support from youngster Andrew Welsh. Welsh gave the team drive out of the backline and finished with 24 possessions.
Essendon kicked five goals in the final term and almost kept St.Kilda scoreless until Xavier Clarke kicked a goal in the dying seconds. The win is the Bombers’ second in succession and they will travel to AAMI Stadium next Friday night with great confidence and form.
