It was a disappointing end to an inconsistent season for the Bombers, who for the third year in a row exited September in the second week of the finals. Tonight’s performance summed up Essendon’s season – a year in which they have struggled to put together four consistent quarters of football.

Essendon were completed outplayed by a Geelong side from the opening bounce. The Cats were more committed and clearly more intense than their opponents. In slippery conditions Geelong capitalised on every opportunity given to them.

Geelong smashed the Bombers at the stoppages for the first three quarters. They had numbers around the ball and ran in numbers. They moved the Sherrin too easily with Darren Milburn collecting 24 possessions and being one of the Cats best players. The Cats were allowed too much space in the middle of the ground, with Milburn, Gary Ablett Junior (22 touches) and James Bartel (34 possessions), dominating at ground level.

Matthew Lloyd struggled to have any real influence on the game before three quarter time and was well held by Mathew Scarlett. Lloyd booted two goals in the final quarter and ended up with majors for the season. The triple Coleman medallist finished the season with a total 96 goals.

The Bombers rallied late in the game with Lloyd’s two goals and one to Justin Murphy giving Bomber fans some hope. James Hird kicked a freak goal at the 22-mintue mark of the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late as the Cats. The time clock beat the Bombers, with Geelong getting home by 10-points.

For the Bombers, Hird collected 33 possessions, while Adam Ramanuaskas (23 touches), Marc Bullen (16 disposals) and Jason Johnson (23 possessions) battled hard all game.