Best Win Since 2000 No. 34
Round 15 2019 vs GWS
| Essendon | 3.2.20 | 5.3.33 | 6.4.40 | 12.5.77 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Western Sydney | 1.2.8 | 5.4.34 | 7.8.50 | 10.11.71 |
Context
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Essendon were 10th, a game outside the 8.
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GWS sat in 3rd.
Why it’s on the list / key moments
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AKA “The Hooker against GWS game”.
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The 4th quarter is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here. The game lacked atmosphere for 80% of the match thanks to the small opposition fanbase and unfavourable timeslot of Thursday night, which was slowly being introduced as a regular fixture.
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In the 1st quarter, Adam Saad intercepted a Giants kick in the middle of the ground and made a trademark run to half-forward before his kick was marked in spectacular fashion deep inside 50 by Orazio Fantasia, who converted.
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The Bombers trailed 46-65 at the 10 minute mark of the 4th quarter. Jayden Laverde goaled from a free kick before Cale Hooker had one of the best 15 minute spells of his life. First, he split the middle with a set shot kick from a tricky angle 40m out to cut the margin to 7 points. 10 minutes later, with the fans suddenly absorbed by the contest, Hooker marked strongly at high half-forward against Phil Davis before handballing quickly to Shaun McKernan who waltzed inside 50 and goaled brilliantly for a big man. Scores were level.
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To finish, Hooker again jostled for a mark at the half-forward flank. This time he was unable to mark but gained possession on the first bounce, gave the “don’t argue” to small Giant, Zac Williams, and handballed towards Kyle Langford. Some fumbling and indecision eventually saw Conar McKenna kick from just outside 50 towards the goalsquare, where somehow Hooker was, yet again, to take the mark. The half-full stadium suddenly felt full. Hooker kicked the goal to put the Dons 6 points up.
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The drama wasn’t over yet. GWS won the next centre bounce and kicked inside their forward 50. The ball bobbled above head height before spilling to Giants midfielder, Josh Kelly, who hurriedly snapped high from 40m out. The shot missed the lot, and the Bombers held on.
Extra notes
- Zach Merrett was the only Bomber to earn Brownlow votes (2).
What happened next?
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Essendon won their next 4 games in mostly dramatic fashion before limping into the finals and succumbing to West Coast at the first hurdle.
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GWS made the Grand Final from 6th on the ladder before wishing they’d never made it that far, losing by 89 points against Richmond.
Click here to go to best win #33.