Most importantly, 11 of his touches ended up in Bombers scores.Īndy Brayshaw worked tirelessly for 30 touches, while Luke Ryan starred in defence with 18 disposals, nine rebound 50s and eight intercepts. He kicked two goals from 22 disposals and four inside 50s. Dylan Shiel, too, thrived in an attacking role. Stringer was well supported by Sam Weideman, who also booted a personal-best five goals, while Darcy Parish (38 touches) was one of their few four-quarter performers, ending up with 13 contested possessions and nine clearances.

Jake Stringer was the major reason why the Bombers looked like any chance of mounting a fightback as he booted four goals from 26 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 11 clearances and six inside 50s. They leaked a lot points – mind you, they’re not the only side Geelong has got hold of in the past month – the Bombers were excellent on offence, constantly using handball through the corridor to transition the footy. In fact after quarter-time, Geelong only outscored Essendon by one point (14.9 to 14.8). Off a tough five-day break, the Bombers never gave in against the reigning premiers.

Yet outside of the first 20 minutes of the game, you sensed this was a glass half-full day for Brad Scott’s side. But as they say, bad kicking is bad football, however the Crows know their best footy is good enough to overawe one of the flag favourites.ģ minutes, 3 plays: Pies' EPIC comeback | 00:59Įssendon conceded 132 points for the day and lost to Geelong by 28 points. Adelaide’s dominant 3.6 (24) to Collingwood’s 0.2 (0) first quarter was probably the most wasteful period where the red-hot Crows had complete control and the Pies on ice and should’ve done more damage. Jordan Dawson (30 touches) and Rory Laird (29 disposals) were both brilliant in the midfield, while Chayce Jones (20 possessions, 2.2) had one of his best games at the top level and it could’ve been even bigger had he converted more of his opportunities in front of goal.ĭo we even need to say it? The Crows will clearly be lamenting all their missed opportunities in front of goal, and it’s not like they were tough shots either. When Collingwood came with a rush in the decisive final term, Adelaide had no answers nor the ability to halt the opposition momentum. But Matthew Nicks’ side left the door ajar and couldn’t put the never-say-die Pies away – like so many sides before it. It included the Crows kicking just 3.10 by half-time to only hold a six-point lead despite being the far superior team throughout the opening two quarters. Adelaide led the Magpies for all but 20 seconds in the twilight Adelaide Oval clash as its inaccurate 7.16 goalkicking effort ultimately came back to haunt it.

Drawn In by Sean Ashcroft