Best Win Since 2000 No. 49
Round 12 2017 vs Port Adelaide
| Essendon | 7.6.48 | 12.9.81 | 14.13.97 | 19.17.131 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Adelaide | 1.3.9 | 4.5.29 | 7.7.49 | 8.13.61 |
Context
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Essendon sat 12th on the ladder and were coming off the back of 2 respectable losses to top 4 sides Richmond and GWS.
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Port Adelaide were 5th with a game-in-hand on the top 4 and an impressive 148.6%. They were in good form having held Hawthorn to a goalless first half in Round 11 and had lost by only 2 points to a solid Geelong side at Kardinia Park in Round 10.
Why it’s on the list / key moments
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A scintillating first half, going in 81-29 at HT. This included a flurry of consecutive goals to start the game which saw the Bombers lead 40-1 at the 17 minute mark of the 1st quarter.
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Essendon’s new-look forward line after the return of the banned players looked to be top-4 worthy already. Cale Hooker was the best on the night, kicking 5 goals in the first half to set up the win. Joe Daniher and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked 4 each, while James Stewart, Orazio Fantasia and Josh Green all appeared to be gelling well.
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McDonald-Tipungwuti provided the highlight of the night with a fantastic solo goal, making light work of Hamish Hartlett as the result was put beyond doubt early in the 4th quarter.
Extra notes
- Essendon won the disposals 448-362.
What happened next?
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Essendon came back from their bye to lose in heartbreaking fashion against Sydney at the SCG, followed by an embarrassing loss to lowly Brisbane at home. They’d bow out to Sydney in an embarrassing Elimination Final defeat.
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Port Adelaide recovered well to earn a home Elimination Final against West Coast, but famously lost in extra time to a Luke Shuey goal after the siren.
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