Essendon have renewed their top-four challenge after fighting back to defeat Collingwood by 12 points on Friday night.
Facing serious questions of their ability to contend after three losses in the past month, the Bombers bounced back from an early deficit to lead by five goals in the fourth quarter.
The Magpies rallied to get close but it was too little, too late as Essendon held on for a 13.14 (92) to 12.8 (80) win in front of more than 80,000 fans at the MCG.
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The tide began to turn in the second quarter but six unanswered goals through the third term and early fourth put the Dons on the path to victory.
Crucial to their cause was Sam Durham’s near-complete blanketing of Nick Daicos in the third; having had 14 disposals in the second term, Daicos managed just four — all in or around the defensive 50 — in the third.
“He’s a good player, it wasn’t just me taking him, it was a collective group (effort). He’s a star,” a modest Durham said.
Having drawn with Collingwood in the Anzac Day game earlier this season, Friday night’s win was their first over a current top-eight side.
“They have proved to the football world and to themselves more than anything that they can compete against top-end sides as well,” Brian Taylor said in commentary on Channel 7 moments before the final siren.
Alister Nicholson added: “The ladder does not lie as Essendon produce a performance that shows they deserve to be where they are in the AFL’s top four.”
The Bombers kicked the first goal of the game but were rocked by Jack Crisp nailing three in a row in quick time.
“From that moment on it was pretty dominant by Essendon,” Matthew Richardson said after the game.
“They were able to win the clearance and the contest and then hold on to it on the outside.
“They were able to change tempo, kick mark, they knew when to go fast and when to slow it back down.
“They deserve to sing this (song) loud and proud.”
Essendon skipper Zach Merrett admitted players were “frustrated with each other” early on as a result of poor errors and turnovers.
More to come…