Australian Football

Match Report

Essendon showed just how much they had improved in 2012 by knocking off top-of-the-ladder West Coast. The match of the round proved to be a fizzer as the Bombers pressure and pace was too much for the injury-hit Eagles. Already without key players Mark LeCras and Mark Nicoski due to injuries sustained in the pre-season, matters worse the Easgles lost gun forward Josh Kennedy in the week leading up to the game, ruckman Nic Naitanui just before the opening bounce and midfielder Matt Priddis, who was subbed out of the contest at half time. Although the result was decided very early, there was still incredible emotion at the final siren. Bombers fans around Etihad Stadium went wild waving jackets and scarves, reviving a tradition for all Bombers and Eagles matches that stems from Kevin Sheedy's days as Essendon coach. Bombers captain Jobe Watson was magnificent (36 possessions) and Brent Stanton again pushed his Brownlow Medal credentials with 36 touches and two goals.

GOALS

Essendon: Crameri 3, Davey 3, Jetta 2, Ryder 2, Stanton 2, Bellchambers, Dyson, Lovett-Murray, Melksham
West Coast: Waters 2, Brennan, Darling, Hill, Kerr, McGinnity



BEST - HERALD SUN

Essendon: Stanton, Watson, Zaharakis, Hooker, Melksham, Crameri, Fletcher

West Coast: Cox, Kerr, Gaff, Shuey, McGinnity

BEST - WA TODAY.COM.AU
Essendon: Watson, Zaharakis, Stanton, Melksham, Hooker, Dyson, Fletcher
West Coast: Cox, Gaff, Waters, Shuey, Glass

COACHES COMMENTS
James Hird (Ess): There's no doubt our midfielders this year have won most of the games we've played in. They're a very good midfield group, they don’t get the credit they deserve, but the way they play and the way they control the contested football, and the way they did it tonight in the clearances was very pleasing.

John Worsfold (WC): I wouldn't say [the injuries] have taken a toll tonight but I would say that we got outplayed. Essendon looked sharper and used the ball better, and really that was the key. You can't measure what the injuries' effect is, but that's what it was.

Umpires: Stewart, Fila, Meredith