Best Win Since 2000 No. 10
Qualifying Final 2001 vs Richmond
| Essendon | 4.5.29 | 8.5.53 | 12.8.80 | 17.11.113 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 1.4.10 | 2.7.19 | 4.10.34 | 5.13.43 |
Context
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Essendon’s form in the lead-up to the finals was shaky compared to the domination it had made the norm since mid-1999. The Bombers had lost 3 of its last 6 matches, and the only convincing win had come against lowly West Coast whose season was long over. Some speculated that the Bombers had gone easy on Richmond in Round 22 to ensure that they wouldn’t have to play Carlton, who they’d lost twice to already in the Home & Away season. Meanwhile, Matthew Lloyd was on 96 goals for the season, 4 away from a second ton in consecutive seasons.
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Richmond were buzzing after knocking off the Bombers the previous week to claim an unlikely top 4 spot. The Tigers (4th) finished with 107.8%, while the Blues (5th) 128.6%. I know who this Bombers fan would rather be playing in the Qualifying Final.
Why it’s on the list / key moments
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A dominant Qualifying Final victory. The Bombers never looked in doubt, except maybe for the 55 seconds of the 1st quarter during which Richmond briefly led after Matthew Richardson kicked the opening goal.
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The Bombers’ first goal was a brilliantly improvised volley hooked through from close range by Matthew Lloyd.
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Later in the quarter, the Bombers’ superior disposal was on full display as they worked their way up the wing from defense to attack. Mark Mercuri delivered a perfect angled pass to James Hird, who marked and wobbled through the set shot for a goal.
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Midway through the 2nd quarter, Justin Blumfield kicked inside 50 towards Hird. 2 Tigers went to ground in the resulting contest, which allowed Blake Caracella to feint, leave his opponent on hands and knees, and straighten himself up for a classy finish.
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Michael Long provided his last ever goal assist when his kick found Dean Rioli 40m out just after HT. Rioli kicked the goal, and soon teed up Lloyd for an open goal to bring Lloyd’s season tally to 98. Richmond’s Darren Gaspar misadventure up centre-wing gave the Bombers an easy path to goal via Lucas and Hird, who found Lloyd in acres of space. Lloyd converted for goal 99.
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Much like the Qualifying Final of the previous year, the Dons wanted to make sure Lloyd reached the tally with the game in the bag. Adam Ramanauskas was the man to deliver the ball to Lloyd this time around, with a neat chip to Lloyd 35m out. Lloyd kicked the goal with an outswinging set shot, and soon thousands were storming the field.
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With Lloyd likely missing the following week due to a headbutt on Darren Gaspar, Scott Lucas tuned himself up for the Preliminary Final in the last quarter with 3 superb goals. Lucas had spent much of the match on the bench and was the recipient of much criticism throughout the season.
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John Barnes’s dribble kick from the pocket late in the 4th quarter exemplified just how easy of a night it had been for Essendon in a match that gave them a home Preliminary Final.
Extra notes
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There were milestones galore for the Bombers, with Barnes (200), Hird (150) and Caracella (100) all reaching their respective totals.
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Essendon lost the clearances 25-35 but were superior around the ground in contested ball, winning the tackles 52-33 and contested possessions 121-104.
What happened next?
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Essendon lost Lloyd for their Preliminary Final against Hawthorn, which the Bombers were fortunate to win, as injuries to key Hird and Mercuri almost became too much to withstand. Luck was on the Bombers side that day, but it ran out the following week against the eventual destiny that was the Brisbane Lions.
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Richmond somewhat surprisingly defeated Carlton in the resulting Semi-Final, making the most of their fewer scoring shots to book themselves a Preliminary Final at the Gabba against Brisbane. The game was virtually over by HT. It would be 16 years until the Tigers made another Prelim. Some would say that 16 years isn’t so long at all.
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