Best Win Since 2000 No. 12
Round 3 2013 vs Fremantle
| Fremantle | 5.3.33 | 7.5.47 | 7.7.49 | 9.14.68 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essendon | 0.3.3 | 1.5.11 | 6.10.46 | 10.12.72 |
Context
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Essendon had started the season in stunning form, with an interstate win against Adelaide and a 148-point drubbing of Melbourne at the MCG. Despite the victories, pressure had been rising against coach James Hird, who media outlets were reporting had taken injections of his own in 2012.
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Fremantle had been much improved under new coach, Ross Lyon, in 2012. Their start to 2013 suggested that this improvement was set to continue, with convincing wins against both West Coast and the Western Bulldogs.
Why it’s on the list / key moments
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The Bombers got off to an incredibly slow start before mounting a fantastic 2nd half comeback. In a low-scoring affair, Fremantle led by 36 points at HT before the Bombers dominated the 3rd quarter to set up a dramatic finale.
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Despite the memorable nature of the match, it was not an exhibition for set shots or any skill at all. Both teams shared in some truly horrendous misses with the wet ball. Essendon’s only goal of the 1st half came from a set shot shank from Michael Hurley, which just so happened fall within marking reach of Stewart Crameri, who thankfully gave Essendon a much needed 6 points.
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In the 3rd quarter, Courtenay Dempsey took a courageous mark back with the flight before launching a kick deep inside forward 50. Bellchambers handballed with one hand to 2nd-gamer, Elliot Kavanagh, who dribbled a quick kick through the gap for Essendon’s 3rd goal of the game.
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After only managing 1 goal in a half, the Dons ended up with 4 goals in 8 minutes, after Hurley kicked a brilliant snap on his left foot.
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The Bombers started the 4th quarter like they ended the 3rd. Nick Kommer and Dyson Heppell kicked goals back-to-back to give Essendon a 10-point lead.
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Freo hit back and eventually scores were level at 66 apiece with 2 minutes of play remaining. An awkward bouncing ball was chased and retrieved by Bomber Cale Hooker, just inside defensive 50. Hooker gave a desperate handpass to Jake Carlisle, who had his kick smothered, but he improvised brilliantly to spin between two Dockers and squeeze a kick to Dempsey at halfback. The Bombers worked the ball inside 50 before eventually Crameri snapped, but his kick was smothered. The ball shot straight into the lap of Paddy Ryder, who turned and goaled from his own snap to put Essendon 6 points up.
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Fremantle’s Chris Mayne had the chance to win the game for the Dockers with 25 seconds on the clock, but his hurried snap from barely 15m out, straight in front, hit the post. Ross Lyon threw his phone into the wall. The Bombers held on by 4 points and the small Bomber contingent sounded anything but.
Extra notes
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Essendon’s Jake Carlisle claimed his first ever Brownlow votes (3). How would the Bombers be able to fit all their talls in the side once Scott Gumbleton and Tayte Pears were fit? There’s also that youngster, Joe Daniher.
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Fremantle’s Chris Mayne kicked 37.12 for the season, despite the horrendous miss.
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Fremantle won the clearances 60-37.
What happened next?
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Essendon continued their good start with 3 more wins to briefly sit in 1st. The club’s form drastically fell off once rumours of the club being banned from finals started to spread, leading to a final position of 7th on the ladder.
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Fremantle came as close as they ever have to premiership glory, losing in the Grand Final to Hawthorn in a match which the Dockers would have to look back at as a missed opportunity.
Click here to go to best win #11.