Best Win Since 2000 No. 4
Preliminary Final 2000 vs Carlton
| Essendon | 4.2.26 | 8.7.55 | 14.13.97 | 18.17.125 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton | 2.3.15 | 5.4.34 | 6.7.43 | 12.8.80 |
Context
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Essendon were coming off their incredible 125-point Qualifying Final victory over the Kangaroos and had an extra week of rest over the Blues. It was a case of avoiding the catastrophe of 1999 at all costs.
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Carlton were the clear 2nd-best team in the comp throughout the Home & Away season, but had choked against Melbourne in their Qualifying Final, giving up a 21-point 3QT lead. They had rebounded strongly against Brisbane, winning by 82 points at the MCG. The Blues were also missing key players in Anthony Koutoufides and Stephen Silvagni.
Why it’s on the list / key moments
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Essendon avenged their 1999 Preliminary Final defeat with a convincing victory.
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The Bombers’ tackling and intent to win the hard ball was evident from the outset, applying constant pressure to the Blues. Late in the 1st quarter, Carlton’s Lance Whitnall dawdled in possession on the wing, hesitating to kick before being rundown by Chris Heffernan. Mark Mercuri, Joe Misiti and Blake Caracella shared the ball between each other before Mercuri strolled in and kicked accurately from just inside 50.
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In the 2nd term, Matthew Lloyd took a great contested mark while being sandwiched by two Blues. He kicked his 2nd to give the Bombers a 14-point lead after Carlton had kicked a few in a row.
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Minutes later, the Bombers worked the ball well from half-forward inside 50. Caracella had burst away from the stoppage before handballing in the direction of Adam Ramanauskas. Rama took possession of the bouncing ball and quickly got his handpass away to Mercuri, who dished off to Michael Long, who finished off with a cool finish to put the Dons up by 21.
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Scott Lucas put Essendon 31 points in front after roving the pack and kicking a snap from the left forward pocket.
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Steven Alessio soon grabbed the ball out of the ruck and dribbled a kick towards goal while being swung in a tackle. The ball evaded all bodies and somehow snuck inside the right-hand goalpost for 6 points.
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Lloyd then initiated a scuffle with his opponent, Glenn Manton, which eventually gifted Lloyd with a set shot 20m out. Lloyd converted to punish the Blues.
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Eventual Crichton Medalist, Dustin Fletcher, took a brilliant mark at centre half back against Whitnall before launching the Bombers into attack with a bomb to Justin Blumfield on centre wing. Blumfield strolled to 50 and launched goalward. The ball cleared all fingertips for another goal.
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Lucas finished off the quarter by roving the pack once again in almost identical fashion and finishing from an even tighter angle. The Bomber fans could rest easy now.
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The Bombers gave up some late goals to the Blues and missed plenty of chances themselves throughout the match, but luckily it was inconsequential this time around.
Extra notes
- Essendon won the tackle count 66-43 and contested possessions 146-128.
What happened next?
- Essendon won by a more comfortable margin against Melbourne in the Grand Final, claiming their 16th premiership to equal Carlton’s record.
Click here to go to best win #3.