Langford sets up Jones to kick the opener for Essendon, Keays eventually replies, the Bombers lead by 2 at quarter-time. Some early suspect soft frees in the 2nd. Michalanney good defense on Langford, Hobbs goals from distance. Jakey doesn't need to give it off and slots it. Things quickly turn around for the Crows, Dawson with a good goal from outside 50, Essendon leads by 5 at the half. Adelaide hits the lead in the 3rd, Davey doesn't make the distance uncontested from 25 metres out. The Crows with 7 on the trot, before the Bombers kick back. Merrett needs to stop playing and asking for free-kicks. Langford goals on the 3-quarter time siren from a free to put Essendon up 3. Laird is retreating way too much in opportunistic positions of attack. Draper misses right in front, martin though goals from outside 50, to put the Bombers back in front. Langford continues to get soft frees like last week after his media comment. A good finish to the game, down to the wire. Draper fortunate not to be to pinned laying on the footy before the siren, haha. Essendon marginally won the hit-outs and +1 in the clearances, with a little more of the footy and 17 more tackles applied. The Bombers with 19 more inside 50's, for 8 more scoring shots, the Crows significantly better conversion. Jordan best afield for the losing side, with 31 disposals, 2 contested marks, 8 inside 50's, 9 tackles, 8 intercepts, 734 metres gained and 2 goals. Hinge 26 disposals, 5 tackles, 7 intercepts and 632 metres gained. Soligo and Worrell also among their best. For the Bombers, Durham 22 disposals, 5 clearances, 5 inside 50's and 9 tackles. Caldwell 26 disposals, 6 clearances, 10 tackles, 496 metres gained and an assist. Merrett 28 disposals, 7 clearances, 5 tackles, 481 metres gained and a goal.
3. (Adel) J. Dawson, 2. (Ess) S. Durham, 1. (Ess) J. Caldwell.
3. (Adel) J. Dawson, 2. (Ess) S. Durham, 1. (Ess) J. Caldwell.