Fremantle Dockers lose to Essendon Bombers at MCG to drop out of AFL top four
Fremantle have given up a 25-point lead in the final quarter to lose to Essendon by one point at the MCG and drop out of the top four.
The Dockers looked home when Jye Amiss kicked a goal early in the final term but conceded the next five goals as the under siege Bombers stormed to a 13.12 (90) to 14.5 (89) victory.
This was a day where Fremantle’s lead was in contrast to the way the game was being played. Essendon dominated clearances and inside 50s for the majority of the match but the Dockers ability to convert their chances and hold up in defence gave them their advantage.
Once the Dons started kicking accurately, the entire game changed. Jye Amiss levelled the scores with only 36 seconds remaining but the Bombers won the centre clearance and Sam Durham kicked the winning point.
There were ominous signs early that Fremantle was below the normal standard.
The Dockers lost the centre clearances 7-1 in the first term and that meant the ball was constantly in Essendon’s forward half.
The Bombers led the inside 50s 18-10 at quarter time but led by just nine points.
Camera IconJaeger O’Meara. Credit: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
It would have been uglier if not for Hayden Young. He kicked Fremantle’s first two goals, including one from their only centre clearance where he charged forward with two bounces and kicked truly.
It took big efforts to change the tone such as Jordan Clark running off half-back and kicking a banana to space because he had no other option.
Then Luke Jackson took on Nik Cox, Ben McKay and Mason Redman to win a massive contest at half forward, got it to Jaeger O’Meara who shrugged a Harrison Jones tackle, got it back to Jackson and he produced a superb kick into the centre square to Hayden Young to open up the game.
Young got the ball to Sam Sturt, he kicked the goal and the Dockers had a seven-point lead thanks to those amazing efforts.
Camera IconHayden Young. Credit: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Young then got the ball out of the middle, hit Jackson on the chest and he kicked truly after the half-time siren to give Fremantle a 13-point lead.
All the stats said Essendon should have been in front.
It was 10-4 at centre clearances. It was 22-13 at overall clearances. It was 33-18 for inside 50s and 38-20 for tackles. Fremantle hadn’t even laid a tackle inside 50 and the Bombers had 12.
But Fremantle’s backline held up incredibly well.
Camera IconFremantle celebrate a goal. Credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Justin Longmuir’s men won the centre clearances 6-0 for the third term and suddenly led he clearances 25-24. It was a dramatic turnaround in the middle and gave the Dons a 19 point lead at three quarter time.
Jye Amiss appeared to put the result beyond doubt when he put Fremantle 25 points up but Essendon refused to quit.
Nic Martin kicked two quick ones, Nate Caddy booted another and when Jade Gresham kicked truly, the Bombers were in front with eight minutes remaining.
It was a dream day for Essendon and a nightmare for Fremantle.
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