Best Win Since 2000 No. 18
Elimination Final 2003 vs Fremantle
| Fremantle | 2.2.14 | 3.4.22 | 4.6.30 | 8.9.57 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essendon | 3.3.21 | 7.6.48 | 11.8.74 | 15.11.101 |
Context
-
Essendon came into the finals in solid form, winning 6 of their last 7 Home & Away season matches, including a brilliant win against Brisbane at Docklands. The Bombers’ one loss was to eventual runner-up Collingwood by 17 points, which was partly attributable to poor conversion.
-
Fremantle had made their percentage count, picking up 14 wins and 8 losses with a mere 103.1%. The Dockers had won 4 of their last 5 Home & Away season matches, however, their one loss was a whopping 60 point loss to Essendon at Docklands.
Why it’s on the list / key moments
-
Essendon won convincingly at Subiaco after coming into the match with 3 consecutive losses at the venue.
-
This game symbolised the 2002-2004 era for the Bombers. If James Hird and Matthew Lloyd were on song, Essendon were still a good chance against most teams. Hird in particular was fantastic and clearly the best player on the ground.
-
Hird highlights:
-
Q1: Weighted a deep kick inside 50 to set up Matthew Lloyd for a contested mark and goal from the ensuing set shot.
-
Q1: Roved a poor punch from Freo ruckman Justin Longmuir to kick his first goal.
-
Q2: Took a mark in the pocket, under pressure and while going back with the flight of the ball. He then handballed over the top to an open Lloyd who kicked an easy goal.
-
Q2: Recovered quickest from a spoiled mark by his direct opponent, Dion Woods, to collect the loose ball and kick long inside 50. The ball remarkably bounced at all angles before finally dribbling over the goal line.
-
Q4: Halved a marking contest deep in the pocket, dived on the footy ahead of a nearby Docker, then handballed over his head towards the goalsquare towards Lloyd in a 1-on-1. Lloyd won the jostle before spinning and kicking the goal off the ground.
-
-
Damian Peverill was also excellent for the Dons with 25 touches and a goal on the run from 50m during the 2nd quarter.
-
Bomber Ben Haynes kicked a fortuitous goal of his own late in the 3rd quarter, blasting a kick inside 50 from 60m out. The ball never sat up, somehow escaping the clutches of the Dockers’ Matthew Carr, as it bounced over the line for another goal.
-
Damian Cupido showcased his incredible talent by picking up a ball on the half-volley on the wing before handpassing inboard to Joe Misiti, who found Scott Lucas. Lucas kicked a perfectly weighted long bomb into the path of the leading Matthew Lloyd, who marked on his chest before converting and putting the Bombers 32 points up.
-
From the next centre bounce, Adam McPhee won the clearance and skied the ball inside 50 once again. Cupido roved his own contest and snapped goalward. The ball was “shepherded” through by Lloyd, giving Cupido his first goal.
-
A minute later, Cupido was there again. He capitalised on a fumble by Docker Robert Haddrill before snapping on his other foot to kick Essendon’s 4th goal in 5 minutes. The game suddenly felt like it was over.
Extra notes
-
Aaron Henneman kicked his 1st goal for Essendon. He’d only kick 5 in his career.
-
Fremantle won the hitouts 56-14 but Essendon won the clearances 51-30.
-
Fremantle won the tackles 55-28 but Essendon won the contested possessions 142-114.
What happened next?
- Essendon were beaten easily by Port Adelaide at Football Park in a Semi Final for the second year running. Lloyd was kept to 1 goal and Hird only managed 12 disposals.
Click here for best win #17.