News

Bomber finale stuns Magpies

Saturday, 25 April 2009
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon has sealed a satisfying five-point victory over Collingwood at the MCG in the annual blockbuster clash today.

Victory couldn’t have been much sweeter for the Bombers who trailed the Magpies by one point with less than a minute remaining on the clock before a goal on the run to David Zaharakis in just his fourth game sealed the match.

Alwyn Davey said you couldn’t have scripted a better win for the Bombers.

“To win these big games is good for the players, the club and the supporters,” he said.

“We just kept pressuring the opposition all day and I think everyone worked hard. In the end it all came down to the last five minutes and it was good to see the hard work all day pay off.”

Essendon were without David Hille all day after the ruckman landed awkwardly on his knee in the first two minutes of the match. He left the ground with a suspected ACL injury.

Patrick Ryder was called to stand up in his absence and did exactly that. The 21-year-old was instrumental in the Bombers win and was well deserving of the ANZAC Day medal he was awarded post-match.

“When Hille went down, Paddy really stepped up so that was great to see.

“It was good to see him come away with the medal because he really deserved it after all the hard work he put in all day under difficult circumstances.”

The morale-boosting victory will give Essendon confidence as they make the trip interstate to take on Brisbane next week.

“This win will lift us up for next week and hopefully we can back it up with another solid performance with everyone contributing,” Davey said.

View the full match report

Watch Matthew Knight's full post match press conference

Your comments

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all i can say is this is the best game i have seen in my life, as far as team effort goes, such a loss of david hille and to step up after being crumbled with low confidence is just excellent ! keep it up boys and we will see alot more winning numbers on the scoreboard in 09!!

- Gary Nunn (posted 25/04/2009 5:38:20 PM)

CARN THE DONS! BELLCHAMBERS HAS TO PLAY NEXT WEEK! GREAT GAME FROM PADDY RYDER! WHAT A LEGEND!

- Beefy Hurn (posted 25/04/2009 5:39:30 PM)

WELL DONE ESSENDON!!!! showed GREAT spirit and always gave it their best....it paid off boys, you made us proud boys

- Sadeq Abbasszadeh (posted 25/04/2009 5:39:52 PM)

what can i say im still shaking from the match. this game has gone down as one of the best games i've ever watched. big blow in hille but ryder stood up and deserved the medal! thought everyone played good except lloyd and lucas , think lucas should have a run in the reserves he doesnt look the goods. lloyds gotta take the chances he gets. besides that was an awesome game and zaharakis is gun! what a finish to a game!! bring on brisbane!!

- Jason Grech (posted 25/04/2009 5:40:40 PM)

What's better than beating Carlton by 4 points? Beating Collingwood by 5 with seconds to go. Well done Paddy - great game.

- Wayne Geggie (posted 25/04/2009 5:41:08 PM)

WOW!! My heart is still pounding. Gotta go and ring the para medics. Well done Paddy Ryder!!

- Damian OEHME (posted 25/04/2009 5:41:49 PM)

Excellent work boys. We showed a lot of character and didn't let the rain slow us down. Congrats Paddy on a superb game, well deserved Anzac Day medalist and a superstar in the making. Also Zaharakis, great work on kicking the sealer! GO BOMBERS!!

- Nick Vergos (posted 25/04/2009 5:43:32 PM)

great win ryder stood up when hille went down i hope he didn't do his acl. Dyson i said he should replace mcveigh boy did he stand up today mcphee played well. Let's support this group of players they try their guts out and someone said we would get smashed and knights predicted ugly games well it's was ugly with the shocking kicking but i don't care how ugly as long as we get the 4 points. now lets tame the lions...

- Jeddy Telescourt (posted 25/04/2009 5:45:06 PM)

dyson made every essendon fan who doubted him eat there words he played very well!

- Jason Grech (posted 25/04/2009 5:45:21 PM)

Magnificent Victory. Great pressure all day by the boys and a victory cast in the true spirit of the ANZAC. Paddy Rider you are a Champion. Go Bombers!

- Chris Beer (posted 25/04/2009 5:45:25 PM)

awesome game boys, well done Paddy on the medal - you deserved it big time!! Definitely a coming of age game for him! KEEP IT BOYS - GO THE BOMBERS!

- Amber Langham (posted 25/04/2009 5:46:33 PM)

Most intense game i've seen in a long time. Take that collingwood. Carn the Bombers!

- Jeremy Turnbull (posted 25/04/2009 5:47:57 PM)

well done boys, you dug deep when it counted and showed that true fighting spirit. a great day for the club on an emotional day for the nation!!!

- Jason Goodsell (posted 25/04/2009 5:48:53 PM)

Great spirited win boys - Paddy, great work mate!

- JUSTIN MARCUS (posted 25/04/2009 5:49:17 PM)

I hope all the doubters who keep writing negative comments about dyson stanton etc will shut up now and realise that we are going places. It is about time all the supporters started getting behind our proud club. i am sick of all the whingers and if you want to sook well go support another club!! I hope lucas has his break out game soon and Lloydy kicks his 900. GO THE DONS WE REALLY MADE THE DIGGERS PROUD TODAY

- Jeremy Little (posted 25/04/2009 5:49:40 PM)

Congratulations on an amazing win blokes! You are showing the sort of grit that top 4 sides show. You have all made the Essendon Football Club and its legion of supporters very very proud, on this sacred day. You epitomised the best of Aussie guts and determination.

- Graeme Blore (posted 25/04/2009 5:53:04 PM)

Good boys! That was a hard edged win in tough conditions, and without our number one big man! Well Done Paddy Ryder maybe now people will see you are the next Polly Farmer! An effort fitting of the celebration of the ANZACS!! GO Bombers!!!

- Cam Allen (posted 25/04/2009 5:54:21 PM)

The future of the Bombers lies with young running players and talented big men. A brilliant win with Paddy Ryder a deserving winner of the ANZAC medal. Scotty Lucas needs to go back to Bendigo and play himself back into form or give it away, as his efforts were woeful and nearly cost the game. Lloyd?

- Don Greer (posted 25/04/2009 5:54:32 PM)

What a great game! Well done to the whole team who never never gave up - the young guns were sensational

- Elizabeth Harris (posted 25/04/2009 5:54:33 PM)

Awesome Job!! Couldnt have been any better and was great to see paddy step up like we all know he can.

- Tanner Wills (posted 25/04/2009 5:57:13 PM)

that was awesome boys, absolutely awesome!!! never gave up and paddy u r a star... keep up the good work and take it in to next week, awesome effort :)

- afradopilious frette (posted 25/04/2009 5:58:16 PM)

Patrick Ryder - What a champ! He's been such a solid player for so long, but today he became a genuine star for us. Andrew Lovett...so glad he stayed at bomberland. In the second half Lucas started to pick up - he's saying, "watch this space". Good in's this week Knighta - well done (even picking Dyson when McVeigh didn't come up...most of us would have gone with Houli).

- Dale Hewitt (posted 25/04/2009 5:59:00 PM)

So proud of you guys..Never gave up, and Paddy Ryder, simply sensational

- Patrick Betham (posted 25/04/2009 5:59:27 PM)

Go the bombers!!!

- Jezza Chau (posted 25/04/2009 6:00:27 PM)

Wow amazing stuff, just when i thought we were gone we pulled of one of the greatest victories of all time, u just kept on trying it was that anzac spirit showing through, great work guys, viewed the game live from my home town perth just amazing, scotty mate ur time has come.

- len moss (posted 25/04/2009 6:01:50 PM)

Gutsy, gutsy win team!! I really love the 'never give in' attitude of the playing group at the moment. So what if a couple of senior players are having days off - they can't be champions every week and they hae given great service over a long period of time. They will soon ste up again if the youthful exhuberance of the new kids rubs off on them. Congrats to all but especially Paddy Ryder for a brilliant performance when asked to step up into ruck. I hate beating the Pies - NOT! lol Bombers Forever

- Andrew Davies (posted 25/04/2009 6:06:12 PM)

What a fantastic win! Go BOMBERS

- Joanna Stavrou (posted 25/04/2009 6:11:08 PM)

What a MASSIVE win....I was so stressed when hilly went down...GREAT job by paddy to step up well and beyond what i expected..Too those who have slagged dyson recently...make sure you watch that goal of his too kick start the last push to win the game...Lucas is an issue i think but hopefully he does come good and start holdin onto the ball a bit more.. Still looking forward to lloyds 900th Ben

- Ben Cobb (posted 25/04/2009 6:11:39 PM)

Well done the mighty Bombers! In the true ANZAC spirit, you never gave up, and stood up when it mattered. Kevin Rudd, thanks for going for the Red and Black, cos I can't wait until next Saturday when we take on the Lions in Brisbane. Bring it on!!!

- Colleen Downes (posted 25/04/2009 6:12:48 PM)

Paddy Ryder, your a legend, what a superb performance and it really was a staying test for the young man. Did he come from the ground during play, I believe not. I don't think I have seen an Essendon side in the past, apply 4 quarters of intense pressure as was done today. To beat Collingwood like that, it was a sublime performance.

- Neil Poyner (posted 25/04/2009 6:14:41 PM)

Sensational! What a gutsy win after losing Hille and Lonergan. Congratulations to Patrick on winning the Anzac Day medal / a great effort. Now ... The show must go on ........... Go Bombers!

- Victor Tallis (posted 25/04/2009 6:15:01 PM)

well done bombers and paddy ryder you are the best, you sure deserved that medal, like the anzacs you stepped up when we needed you most and the boys followed, great game dons and good coaching knighter

- Paul Pascuzzi (posted 25/04/2009 6:17:27 PM)

Sensational....words cannot describe it. Showed some real heart boys, so proud!!

- Matt Pelgrim (posted 25/04/2009 6:18:32 PM)

What a bloody "AWESOME" win ............. Paddy Ryder sensational effort; others to mention who played extremely well were Lovett,Zaharakis,Lonergan ................Have to say this; as great a player as he has been for the Bombers, Lucas was woeful; and Jetta is not up to AFL standard

- Andrew Mavrik (posted 25/04/2009 6:19:44 PM)

I sent a comment already , but hey, ain't victory sweet! Well done boys, I just love it when we demoralize the Pies. They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, and oh, that is pure nectar. Our esteemed PM, dear Kevin, said he was going for the the Red and Black, as the opposition beat his team, (poor old Lions) last week, and now I can't wait for us to fly high over Brisbane skies next Saturday. Bring it on!!!

- Colleen Downes (posted 25/04/2009 6:21:39 PM)

what a game a great effort by all never say die attitude ,all we need is to polish up on our disposals and our goal kicking .unfortunate about hille, paddy played his heart out now we need big bellchambers to step up and help paddy out and let hope this is the last of our injuries .go bombers again great effort a proud anzac day.

- Neil Missen (posted 25/04/2009 6:23:56 PM)

Congatulations Bombers!! Great win!! Good solid effort that is required to win an Anzac Day clash. Paddy Ryder, you star!! Hope it all goes well for you Hille. Big loss 2 the team. Keep up the great work Bombers!!

- Jarrod Hill (posted 25/04/2009 6:29:07 PM)

Best win I have ever been to. Thanks Essendon, Ryder, Zaharakis, Stanton, Fletcher and Knights. To the ANZACS!!!

- Trent Hobson (posted 25/04/2009 6:31:31 PM)

sooooooooo great boys!!!! i was watching with less than a minute to go and was just running around jumping up and down when we won!:) keep it up!!!!!!

- samuele downing (posted 25/04/2009 6:32:07 PM)

Bombers relentless and "never say die" against the odds, all stood up across the ground, a perfect end to Anzac day match, Paddy Ryder you were a great example of Anzac day spirit! This one is so satisfying against the Pies.

- Joe Ferry-Gibson (posted 25/04/2009 6:34:54 PM)

Congratulations to Paddy, and Well done boys, what a terrific win today, a real morale booster - this is somethingto build a season on. Bring on the Lions!

- Kymmy Hinton (posted 25/04/2009 6:38:50 PM)

What a win collingwood and carlton in 3 weeks! Zaka what a story love ya kid!!!!!!!

- Leigh Robinson (posted 25/04/2009 6:41:13 PM)

zakkkkaaaaaa you legend read your article in the herald sun today. buddy what your feeling with the winning goal i congratualate you. You deserve it. im looking forward to seeing you a superstar at the bombers. that was really hird like what you did in those last few seconds of the game. Mcphee has a awesome game too. the whole team pulled together. Great to see us win the game without llyod and lucas kicking goal. The young brigade keep going strong

- Rob Apostoloski (posted 25/04/2009 6:42:57 PM)

If the Carlton win 2 weeks ago was the best in 5 years lloydy, that must have been the best in 50 years! Beating Collingwood, last kick of the game, ANZAC day, wow. Dyson with some clutch possessions and some hard running proved he can be the player we want him to be. PADDY!!!!! Superstar in the making. Bad luck to Hille, but he will bounce back. And Zaha, what can be said? Absolute weapon. Well done boys, made every Essendon supporter very very very proud.

- Rowan Hall (posted 25/04/2009 6:49:50 PM)

Best win EVER!!!! Great job boys, worked hard all day & did our ANZACS proud! Very Happy New Member! Go DONS!!!

- Justin Ralston (posted 25/04/2009 6:50:30 PM)

Go Bombers! I have sons here and overseas who were so excited when the siren sounded. Talking to them immediately after the game was something else. The Red/Black blood was pumpin' hard.... Go Bombers!

- Victor Tallis (posted 25/04/2009 6:51:15 PM)

well done the mighty bombers if u play like this every week will be in the top eight i only hope hile will b back very soon we have not had a taem like this for a long time lets keep going well done boys we are proud of u all here from western australia go the dons

- Joe Muscara (posted 25/04/2009 6:52:14 PM)

Simply, utterly the best game to have attended EVER!! Down a player all day. Let the filth back in and then twisted the dagger in the heart to finish. Priceless!

- Stuart Nixon (posted 25/04/2009 6:56:31 PM)

What a fantastic effort from the boys! I'm hoping those on this website who have been putting the boots into Ricky Dyson have the honesty to concede the boy CAN play... His great goal from the boundary got the team going again, and I thought he was terrific all day. Also, Stanton's gut running and work in close ought to shut those up who question his hardness at the footy... I just wonder when our luck will change with injuries. It really is becoming chronic, with one or two going down each week... Footy Gods, how about a bloody break?!

- Dennis Green (posted 25/04/2009 7:00:35 PM)

One of the best games i've been to... excellent game paddy i let all the c'wood supporters around me know that you were dominating there no.1 ruckman ALL DAY. Stanton, Monfries, McPhee, Fletcher, Lovett and Davey were all tireless workers...

- Brendan Geraeds (posted 25/04/2009 7:03:06 PM)

A real see-sawing game characterised by inaccurate goalkicking by both teams and many lead changes. I must admit, too, that I thought we were gone when the ferals were leading by fourteen points in the last quarter with minutes to go, but a huge congratulations to the whole team for sticking to their guns and kicking those three goals in the last four minutes to down the Magpies and hand them another heartbreaking loss. Go Bombers for the rest of 2009!

- Maranatha Sao-Mafiti (posted 25/04/2009 7:04:48 PM)

A Wonderful ANZAC INSPIRED effort!! Now you have something significant to build on boys.....

- Noel Shields (posted 25/04/2009 7:10:44 PM)

i am not a fan of dyson and i have given him so much crap. but all i can say is good on u for making me eat my words. i just hope u can keep this up but congrats to dyson for his effort and aso to ryder who was amazing. id also lyk say well done lovett for turning himself around i hope u choose 2 sign on

- Nick Holdsworth (posted 25/04/2009 7:11:34 PM)

First time in five years!! Next match should be much easyer. I was so sure they would lose that I thought it wasn't worth tipping for them. two wrong so far! I hope Hilly's ok.

- Nathan Boyes (posted 25/04/2009 7:12:49 PM)

With 5 minutes to go a few Essendon members left, They must be spewing Keep the faith

- tom amos (posted 25/04/2009 7:16:12 PM)

YOU BEAUTY GO THE MIGHTY BOMBERS WELL DONE

- Norman Cacciattolo (posted 25/04/2009 7:21:32 PM)

well done bombers /partick ryder ' i've seen polly play what more can i say .great to beat the dirty pies . go the bombers

- ian andrews (posted 25/04/2009 7:26:04 PM)

What a game! It was full of GUTS and DETERMINATION - well done Bombers. Paddy Ryder, you certainly deserved the ANZAC Medal. BOMBERS FOREVER

- Myrna Hawkett (posted 25/04/2009 7:29:06 PM)

Like I said before, "we are rising from the ashes" Last week's loss was a good experience for the young recruits & boy did they run for their lives in this game. David Zaharakis put the icing on the cake. It is a pity that Lloyd & lucas was not at their best or else we should have crucified the Pies. Go Bombers

- Winston D'Cruz (posted 25/04/2009 7:34:44 PM)

been following the mighty Bombers since the sixties, the last five minutes of the game today was definetly one of the most memorable, good on you Ricky Dyson, I was rapt for you today, but the whle team had a crack today, very proud of you all

- Richard Neudert (posted 25/04/2009 7:41:01 PM)

What a win Bombers. Our skills were crap once again but lucky for us we came thru. Just one question. When can i buy the DVD for this game? I'll go well sitting next to the comeback game?

- James Bowler (posted 25/04/2009 7:45:24 PM)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left in the stands grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the lack of interchange condemn At the going down of the siren and in the morning We will remember them. Lest we forget. Thank You ANZACS. Thank You Essendon

- Rob Fisher (posted 25/04/2009 7:47:36 PM)

AWESOME!!! WELL DONE PADDY!! I feel sorry for the couple of thousand that left with 5 mins to go. What an effort. I have nevver enjoyed celebrating in the rain so much!! An awesome effort from all, especially having 3 on the bench all day unlike the pies who had 4 all day.

- Andrew Heffernan (posted 25/04/2009 7:49:49 PM)

The boy Paddy: fabulous. The boy Lovett: electrifying! Jetta, (the boy Jetta) you beauty! The boy Zaha: poli kala! The boys Esserdun: c'est grouse.

- Bert Jackson (posted 25/04/2009 7:51:50 PM)

Great game. Well done Paddy Ryder. Go the Bombers!!

- Matthew Bowen (posted 25/04/2009 7:58:09 PM)

Go Bombers! Well done boys. Congrats Paddy great "step-up" game. All the best in recovery Hilly. A tremendous team effort. Soak up the glory boys, but beware "believing your own press" to come in the media. Know in yourselves you guys played a great team game, on a great occasion. One week at a time, its another positive step in our development direction. Winners are grinners & losers can please themselves. In Collingwood's case what excuses this week? Own arrogance? Haha!! Sourpuss Mick M?

- Bob Fordham (posted 25/04/2009 8:06:25 PM)

Great game guys ....you really showed the Anzac Spirit!!!!!!!

- Daniel Larson Larson (posted 25/04/2009 8:08:44 PM)

I've been saying this for years now. Ryder is a champion. Great win today boys. Like most, I thought it was beyond our reach towards the end, But I was thrilled to witness this match today. So very proud.

- Ryan Stewart (posted 25/04/2009 8:13:27 PM)

AMAZING. After Hille went down in the first 2 minutes, i thought we would get thumped. BUT, Paddy Ryder showed us all that you don't have to be the best ruckmen to win a clearence. Amazing. The guy i was standing next to was holding on to me literally, and vice-versa, it was simply sensational. Best match of the year by far. Sorry to see Hille go down though, but we have a positive in bringing in Tom Bellchambers in next week to get some experience. Should be awesome!

- Joseph Attard (posted 25/04/2009 8:18:49 PM)

well done boys wot a cracker of a gme and to paddy ryder you are a star

- James Meyn (posted 25/04/2009 8:19:38 PM)

Well done bombers great win.paddy back were you belong in the ruck well done son.get well soon hilly ..GO THE BOMBERS ..DOWN WITH THE MAGGIES...

- Mario Borg (posted 25/04/2009 8:22:05 PM)

all the guys saying we should have had dyson and mcphee gone are eating their words now, mcphee showed why he won an all-australian at half-back and dyson is starting to play like he was early in his career, go bombers keep it up

- eddie pascoe (posted 25/04/2009 8:27:27 PM)

WOW, what a match. Congrats to all the boys and Knights. Paddy Ryder your a absoulute star, LOVE your work. GO BOMBERS

- elle ghalayini (posted 25/04/2009 8:29:49 PM)

Great stuff at the end, Dons.Epitomised the ANZAC SPIRIT!! Ryder especially for the whole game, as his comrade went down, he stepped up hugely. Watson and the midfield blitzed from Paddy's knocks as Pies faded. Lucas needs help- can't keep his feet. Bring on Lions!!

- Luke Dummett (posted 25/04/2009 8:38:02 PM)

very exciting game to watch

- Luke Jones (posted 25/04/2009 8:38:43 PM)

FANTASTIC win today boys!!!! good team effort to get us over the line. you all deserve a pat on the back.

- Samantha Whitelaw (posted 25/04/2009 8:39:16 PM)

I had to work today. I recorded the game on the IQ and all I can say is Wooooooooooo Woooooooooo Zaharakis you little ripper Wooooooooo.... ah I've lost my voice

- Tommy Stewart (posted 25/04/2009 8:40:50 PM)

It was the most emotional win I have ever seen, what an amazing game, I will never forget the feeling as the siren went and I stood watching our boys celebrate! I didn't even care that I was saturated, lol! I named my 15 week old son Ryder Patrick, so to see Paddy win the Anzac Medal was just awesome...well done to all our wonderful boys, it was a very gutsy effort! Sucked in Collingwood!!!!!

- Kylie Brown (posted 25/04/2009 8:48:46 PM)

Greatest Anzac Day Match Ess v Coll so far! Patrick Ryder (aka Polly Farmer) best game for the mighty Bombers. Great to celebrate wins against (tell them we're coming Blues, and those whom belittle umpires shall be belittled Maggies). Well done to all given the ever rotating interchange bench! Also great to see that playing for time does not work (Ess last part 3rd quarter) and Coll last part of last quarter. Real pressure goals from Ricky, Leroy and David in the rain - it just does not get any better than this!

- Marian Adamcewicz (posted 25/04/2009 8:50:58 PM)

Wow...wow...wow.. must find another expletive. Nope...WOW. I hope the Cats run Brisbane off their feet so we can have a good crack at them next week. Great win Bombers. What a thrill to be there today.

- Adrianne Blainey (posted 25/04/2009 9:04:09 PM)

Best game I have seen from a group of young guys for a long time, keep it up. Get well soon David. GO BOMBERS

- Bob Cox (posted 25/04/2009 9:05:17 PM)

Best game I've been to in years. Even in the pouring rain they didn't give up. I feel very proud to support the Mighty Bombers. The spirit of the Anzac lives on in EFC. Lest we forget.

- Leanne Butterworth (posted 25/04/2009 9:12:08 PM)

Paddy Ryder you're a star!!!! You really showed them what you've got....rucking, tackling, running and kicking a goal..what more could anyone want or do? Well done!!!! Bad luck David Hille, let's hope the scans show nothing too serious!!!

- Anita Smith (posted 25/04/2009 9:26:05 PM)

Can someone explain why people think jetta does nothing? When jetta is in the team i see pressure urgency and the fact that he and davey give the opposition hell getting out of d50 he doesn't need to get 30 touches every game. Please leave him in the side he needs time and dyson being ommited and getting a second chance might just be what he needed. Yeah i bet the doubters won't write a comment this week but they will be first to write when we lose? I glad our boys are positive

- Jeddy Telescourt (posted 25/04/2009 9:28:13 PM)

I have read for a long while the criticism of Ricky Dyson and must confess to being one of the non believers ... but perhaps we've got it all wrong ... great game Rick and great goal ...let's see more of your obvious talent ... what about the look on the faces of our boys after the Jetta goal ... were we trying or what ...and how good was #30

- Neil Harris (posted 25/04/2009 9:28:46 PM)

Never EVER leave a game early. Never have yet in 40 years. never will. Nathan Boyes, never EVER tip aginst your own team. Paddy showed the true ANZAC spirit- stepped in for an injured mate and was a killer. Josh who? Best game? yeah very close. Umpires? Were there umpires? that's the way it should be. Not noticed,no influence. Last quarter was trench warfare to the extreme. We shall never surrender!! Well done guys. be mighty proud

- John Sexton (posted 25/04/2009 9:29:26 PM)

That was an amazing win, I've only just recovered from the excitement. Ryder, Lovett, Jetta, Zaharakis, Monfries, you are all champions, the future is looking sooooo bright with you guys. Hope Hille is OK. I'm so proud, GO YOU MIGHTY BOMBERS!

- Natasja Henry (posted 25/04/2009 9:29:56 PM)

great to see McPhee back playing like he should be.

- Glen Parker (posted 25/04/2009 9:30:35 PM)

I am sooo proud to be a Bombers supporter today the boys put in a MASSIVE effort with Hille going down early. Paddy Ryder a worthy recipient of the ANZAC medal... Where was Bellchambers lets hope we see him next week ..... go the boy from Tassie!!!! The best game I have seen in a long while even better than beating Carlton two weeks ago the Bombers are on the way up bring on September!!!!!!

- Gareth Percey (posted 25/04/2009 9:56:47 PM)

great win boys and we are looking good for playing finals in 09 well done bombers that was sweet

- Raymond Learmonth (posted 25/04/2009 9:58:13 PM)

funny how so many ppl bagged the players that won us the game today for example dyson and mc phee. was a great win and our backline is looking so strong our forwards just need to finish more often. HILLY HOPE YOUR ALRIGHT MATE!

- Ben Wood (posted 25/04/2009 10:03:00 PM)

One of the best individual lone efforts i have seen from a young player at the EFC in a long,long time Paddy Ryder.WELL DONE SON!To the team-Thank you so much.You bring great joy to my life bombers!I love you all!To all the Ricky Dyson& Adam McPhee knockers-EAT CAKE!:)

- Mark Elze (posted 25/04/2009 10:17:33 PM)

AMAAZING. One of the best games of footy I've seen, well deserved win. GO THE DONS!!!

- Emily Choo (posted 25/04/2009 10:23:52 PM)

Simply put... Bombers, you did us proud! Well done.

- Darren Humphries (posted 25/04/2009 10:32:58 PM)

Firstly great win Bombers. However I've gone through all these messages and only a few have picked up on Lucas's woeful performance, nearly cost us the game. After watching the North Melb game and then this one, I'm not convinced that he deserves his position in the team. If he doesn't mark and kick goals, what else is there?

- Aaron Davis (posted 25/04/2009 10:38:04 PM)

Great stuff boys, especially Paddy and our younger kids... really good effort. Scotty has to have a run in the twos, he has been terrible the last few weeks and needs to get some confidence back. I thought McPhee was better today after a poor performance last week. Hopefully he can perform more consistently. Hille will be missed, but gives a few other boys the opportunity to stand up.

- Jane McMenaman (posted 25/04/2009 10:45:48 PM)

Awesome game boys! Paddy Ryder is now offically a star! Other mentions go to Dyson, Stanton and Zaka!

- Andrew Cichello (posted 25/04/2009 10:47:08 PM)

Well then i'm convinced, Aaron Davis, that you've been living under a rock for the past 14 years. He may not have fulfilled his position this week or at all this year, but he has attracted the attention of a solid opposition backman, and will continue to do so while the rest of the team is developing. Scot Lucas is a champion of the Essendon Football Club and deserves every chance to prove himself without playing in the reserves!

- Cam Allen (posted 25/04/2009 10:59:24 PM)

I was so pumped when Zaka put through that winner that I hurt my voice box from screaming with delight. Nothing better than teaching the Pies and Blues some lessons. To the people that write off Ricky, Why bother! Now lets destroy the Lions. Go Bombers

- Cory Williams (posted 25/04/2009 11:12:08 PM)

YEESS!! what an awsome game to watch!! we've done it to carlton, and now collingwood!! Paddy deserved the medal well and truely. this is what the ANZAC spirit is all about, giving 110% no matter what. Lest We Forget..

- Trent Davey (posted 25/04/2009 11:18:32 PM)

GO THE MIGHTY BOMBERS!!!! Ryder you are an out and out SUPERSTAR! Zaharakis... BANGGGGGGGGGGG! Beating the Pies on ANZAC Day... as good as any victory in a final!!

- Matt Grima (posted 25/04/2009 11:21:24 PM)

That was the best Essendon win in 5 year.. Outstanding.... Hate dyson but sorry concede u were fantastic... Ryder sign him until 2050.. GC PO... Makes last weeks even more disapointing... Go Bombers...

- Nick Martin (posted 25/04/2009 11:25:31 PM)

Just continuing the congratulations that have been posted b4 me. Go the MIGHTY DONS, a very gritty performance today. Hopefully many more to come in 2009!!!!!!! Go David Zaharakis, U R A LEGEND!!!!!!!!!!

- NicK Tomaras (posted 25/04/2009 11:26:45 PM)

Not feeling sorry for the many who left early! Early game departure when behind is a trait of C'Wood bogans NOT bomber fans - stick it out to the end no matter what.

- Francis Connolly (posted 25/04/2009 11:46:20 PM)

now i am without a doubt RickyDysons number1 fan, all you hve to do is look through these comments to see im aways boosting the bloke up, today we saw why. perfect disposal+clutch goals from 40 out on the boundry in the wet come from class players, now Rick i beg4 1thing, CONSISTANCY. David Zaharakis, the number5 belongs on ur back mate, no offence stants, but4 1minute mate i could swear you were the great man himself, 4he couldnt have sealed it any better, can offer no higher praise than that. you seem the total package kid, hard, quick, clean, classy, accurate, ball magnent. we showed what were capable of today, true bomber effort, couldnt be prouder

- Lauren Brennan (posted 26/04/2009 12:11:38 AM)

paddy you deserved the medal you were fantastic in the ruck and zaka you won the game for us you are a legened and i hope you win the risen star this year

- Norman Cacciattolo (posted 26/04/2009 12:26:30 AM)

I think we just witnessed that start of 10 good years to come, out with the old in with the new! Well done fella's!!

- Matt Tonks (posted 26/04/2009 1:35:06 AM)

Great coaching today Matthew Knights.Very well done.To all who bag Knights remember this-like a lot of our younger players,Knights will continue to get better and better as a coach.Some days you have bad days,just like we all do at work.Being a coach is no different.Knights is a good coach and well done to the club for backing him in.Everyone just needs to have faith& patience& this group& it's coach will come through.It takes time for things to gel.It's all starting to come togetther.terrific stuff!So pleased.:)

- Mark Elze (posted 26/04/2009 2:10:08 AM)

go dyson lol

- Brett Martin (posted 26/04/2009 2:24:52 AM)

Everybody above me has said it all. The never say die spirit was the big winner today for the boys. Paddy was one of the most obvious medal winners of recent memory. Great stuff. Thanks for your service Scotty Lucas, but it looks like your time is up mate!!

- Brendan Hayes (posted 26/04/2009 2:25:57 AM)

WHAT A WIN, THE STANDS WENT SPASTIC. Paddy ryder will be a superstar in 2 years along with zaharakis, This is possibly the best win since the 69 point turnaround against the roos in 01. GO DONS

- Frank Baccalini (posted 26/04/2009 2:40:22 AM)

FAAAAANTASTIC!!!! The skills will improve over time and as Knighter says the measure of this team will be consistency but today we can bask in the greatness of paddy (and 20 other blokes...). A word on Lucas...18 months ago, in the hird/sheedy send off, he smashed the eagles in a quarter of footy and almost won the game off his own boot. Skill doesn't disappear, and he's still prensenting as hard as ever which is why I want to see him there in 2010, but to do that he needs a run for bendigo. Its not a oneway trip

- Oddy Nick (posted 26/04/2009 5:18:31 AM)

What a fantastic effort, You never gave up. Paddy was magnificent and Andrew Lovett was inspirational with his second efforts when the game was in the balance. Ricky Dyson got a reprieve and turned it on. McPhee and Fletch played well and Davey never gave up. Great to see such a great win without Lloydy and Scott playing well. Continue to show that enthuisiasm and determination and you will continue to do us all proud.

- Peter Twigg (posted 26/04/2009 6:01:27 AM)

great game bombers one of the best iv seen but scotty lucas you r a great player but i think a game or 2 for bendigo wont hurt u

- rodney goodsell (posted 26/04/2009 6:06:08 AM)

Best game I recon Ive ever been too! The only thing sweeter than beating Collingwood, is beating them on Anzac day. Zaharakis - fantastic work mate. Paddy- you were bloody awesome. McPhee - welcome back, best game i've seen you have in a long while. Well done guys Go the Bombers!!

- Daylan Pearce (posted 26/04/2009 9:14:34 AM)

gusty win,best game ever! the young guns stood up and showed us all just what they are made of.just one thing,Lucas needs to be dropped to the vfl,not playing great footy,hope he comes back bigger & better

- mawby Ian (posted 26/04/2009 9:16:06 AM)

wellhere goes bombers i knocked a few players last week but with a performance like this it goes to show what would have happened last week if we had put in a quarter of the effort that we didagainst the pies what a great game and team effortbut the next game will tell go bombers great win

- albert baltruschaitis (posted 26/04/2009 9:48:54 AM)

An amazing game! The whole team contributed, albeit "a star was born" when Paddy played ruck all day. Congrats. to Adam McPhee, you really turned it on in your 150th! Sorry, David, hope the knee isn't too bad and you can come back this year. What a "dream come true" for Zaharakis. GO, BOMBERS, AGAINST THE LIONS NEXT WEEK!

- Joan Hill (posted 26/04/2009 9:59:36 AM)

Great work from our young side now its 7 all with one draw!

- Jack Hadaway (posted 26/04/2009 10:28:58 AM)

The spirit of the day Showed your Guts, Determination and Humility. Well Done! George Thatcher

- George Thatcher (posted 26/04/2009 11:00:55 AM)

What a great win but it now makes last weeks performance even more dissapointing. We can't afford to play games like that if we want to play finals football. Also, dropping Lucas would be a terrible decision as a few people are mentioning above!

- Andrew Cichello (posted 26/04/2009 11:01:15 AM)

I love this club. What a great result for a young team going places.

- Greg Bland (posted 26/04/2009 11:33:14 AM)

Awesome game! Couldn't have thought of a better way to win against arch rivals- Collingwood. Although, wasteful... Lloyd still can't crack the 900 goals. Maybe next week. Lucas... needs more goal kicking practise. Other than that. GREAT WIN BOMBERS

- Elise Ko (posted 26/04/2009 11:40:00 AM)

that was the best game ive seen im so proud of the boys and the effort they put into winning such a important game, thanks zaka ( and the rest of the boys)your goal won me 5 slabs of beer at the local pub cant wait to next week...

- Jeremy Pappin (posted 26/04/2009 12:27:31 PM)

What a day to wake up to! Im so proud to be an ESSENDON supporter today. We are going places. Everyone who knows a Collywobbler must let them no about it. And to all the indiginous players, thankyou, your guts and pressure won us that game!

- Stuart Murdoch (posted 26/04/2009 12:37:48 PM)

To the following muppets and flogs (and the ones I have missed) Peter Pischek, Steve Rendevski, Rob Andrews, Ivar Biggen, where are your comments now, after what you wrote last week. You are gutless supporters who only critisize, I hope you are enjoying your humble pie. There are so many supporters out there on Knighta's back, get off it! Knights has done so much more to this group in 18 months that Sheedy did in 5 years. Support or shut up!

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 26/04/2009 1:16:31 PM)

Very wel put Cam Allen, Lucas kept presenting all day, a bg day is not very far away for Scotty

- Richard Neudert (posted 26/04/2009 1:19:55 PM)

David Zaharakis has achieved what most boys dream of. Well done and all the best for your future.

- Damian OEHME (posted 26/04/2009 1:32:54 PM)

well done we are 5th its a shame about hille but we did it sssssssssswwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttt

- sam pettit (posted 26/04/2009 2:35:37 PM)

Awesome, to all those Essendon 'fans' who left the ground early, you should be ashamed, im glad the boys showed you up!!! Fantastic effort in the last few minutes and throughout most of the game, keep it up! CARN DONS!!!

- Liam Doidge (posted 26/04/2009 2:41:31 PM)

That ANZAC Day game was ALMOST as good as winning a Grand Final! Honoured to be there. It was my 1st game for the season! Congratulations to Paddy Ryder for winning the ANZAC Day Medal.

- Sue ONeill (posted 26/04/2009 3:25:25 PM)

what a massive confidence booster well done Paddy and Zaka the two teams i love beating the most Collingwood and Carlton it will be another great test for the young fella's to tame the Lions GO BOMBERS!!!!!!!

- Simon Mayo (posted 26/04/2009 3:26:48 PM)

Big team effort boys. In the final 3 or 4 minutes Andrew Lovett you were sensational. 'WATCH OUT FOR THE BOMBER'.

- Andrew Day (posted 26/04/2009 3:33:52 PM)

WELL DONE WHAT A GAME.

- Danny Namoni (posted 26/04/2009 4:37:16 PM)

Beefy Hurn is right on the mark, Essendon MUST play Bellchambers and leave him in the side, all he needs to do is give a contest, and even if he has a bad game leave him in the team to gain as much experience as he can.

- Peter Pischek (posted 26/04/2009 4:47:32 PM)

Lovett deffinatly started the comeback, he tried something different and took the game on running the field. I'll admit that i was unsure about dyson this season but he made me eat my words he had an excellent game along with great field kicking. Lucas is worrying me, doesnt't seem to have any spark him and Hilles injury were probably the only negitives of the game. What does everyone think about bringing Bock of the rookie list and rucking with ryder next week?

- Adam Smrdel (posted 26/04/2009 5:33:28 PM)

Fantastic game Ricky Dyson! Awesome form and some real class shown on the day. Zaka, now you know how it feels to play like a legend, we hope to see and enjoy much more this year!

- Brendan Williams (posted 26/04/2009 5:58:41 PM)

Congratulations to all players & 1 P Ryder, what a great team effort. Watched game on tv in tassie at a club for remembering fallen commrades for ANZAC Day. I was so engrossed & when we ran in three goals in the last 4 & 1/2 mins to win I couldn't believe the loud roar from within the club when the final siren went. Just so glad you shoved it right up those pies.

- Caralyn Walsh (posted 26/04/2009 7:20:00 PM)

We need to keep up the form next week against the lions bring in Bellchambers to ruck with Ryder and where is KYLE REIMERS, Hopefully he fit soon to give us that extra GRUNT we need Go BOMBERS.

- Peter Pischek (posted 26/04/2009 8:05:40 PM)

What a game!!! The heart, the spirit, the victory! Glorious! The Red & Black showed true Anzac courage. Did anyone else notice Leroy Jetta's attempts to lose us the game? Both were late in the game, one an uncontested chest mark and then later the debacle in the goal square. All in all, the signs are positive and really looking forward to taking on the likes of Geelong, Hawthorn and St.Kilda. Go Bombers!

- Ozgur Yildiz (posted 26/04/2009 8:38:54 PM)

Andrew Marvik - Jetta not up to AFL standard... are you kidding me? He set up Paddy's goal, kicked the first of 3 goals in the last minute, and it was his pressure that caused Dyson's free kick on goal. Open your eyes. Hats of to Dyson. I've been a vocal detractor but he played the game of his life. Let's see if he can back it up.

- James Duthie (posted 26/04/2009 8:59:24 PM)

WELL DONE BOYS! WHAT AN AWESOME GAME. Knew you had a chance. Eventhough you were all looking pretty tired, I could see you were determined and still willing to do the 1%'s that mattered. I HAD TEARS IN MY EYES AT THE END OF THE GAME. I loved the way you went around and high fived the supporters too! Lovey, I'm so glad you're still with us. Congrats to every single one of you!One of my favourite games ever! Beating the Blues and the Pies in the first five rounds, can't get much better than that!

- Joanne Wallis (posted 26/04/2009 9:34:18 PM)

Dear Lauren Brennan.I have been Ricky's number one fan since the day he was drafted,and he cried when the announcement was made... I gladly pass on the baton to you Lauren. Will be content being number two fan,after 43 years a supporter,and member since '72,i am happy to see the next generation "maintain the passion and support",i love watching that :-) Well done Ricky,and the rest of our Bomber heroes. Scotty Lucas,keep doing the things you and Matthew have always done,wearing the jumper with pride.You magnificent Champions of our great club!!

- Noel Shields (posted 26/04/2009 10:06:15 PM)

what a difference to last weeks game how did we play so poorly against north. too much handball played more direct this week paid off handsomely keep it up ruth williams

- Ruth Williams (posted 26/04/2009 10:08:11 PM)

Absolutely great win. I saw Neale Danniher in 1981 with one the greatest wins I have ever seen (5 goals down near time on against Carlton at Carlton) and our Anzac day win showed potentially the emergence of another great football team. Andrew Lovett was fantastic towards the end of the game and his great dash was a major turning point. Believe in yourselves and lets see if we can do a 1993.

- Edmond Barry (posted 26/04/2009 10:41:22 PM)

'hocking back to lovett murray he goes short, its a mark to ZAHARAKIS ZAHARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

- john de vera (posted 26/04/2009 11:10:13 PM)

Ozgur you are a disgrace! It was no debacle see if you can chase a bouncing ball in a wet goal square with someone on your tail, JETTA tried his heart out and then superbly sidestepped and goaled not long after to keep us in the game, you keep these players at all costs, well done Jetta. Hope HILLE recovers soon we will miss him. Everyone played well HOCKING, PEARS, MYERS, LONERGAN in fact everyone showed great endeavour.

- JAN STOTT (posted 27/04/2009 12:19:16 AM)

We had a great team win yet there are still idiots on here bagging out our players - if you want to do that, go support a club that enjoys ripping into their players, like Richmond or Collingwood. Congratulations Zaharkis on living the dream, you ARE a superstar, and after 4 games, a legend.

- Daniel Grbac (posted 27/04/2009 9:19:47 AM)

How much am I enjoying wearing my scarf into class this morning as my Collingwood students try (and can't) look for excuses for why they lost. Best game ever!!

- Nichole McCarthy (posted 27/04/2009 9:41:01 AM)

Someone said bring in bock? You probably wouldn't want to bring him in now he is still a kid and they wil just crush his small developinng frame and plus he would probably get seriousy injured as young undeveloped bodies will come under strain aka gumbleton he was still growing when he joined essendon.

- Jeddy Telescourt (posted 27/04/2009 4:24:38 PM)

Fantastic effort Bombers, well done to all including Mathew Knights,keep up the good work.David Hille, bad luck mate,hope you have a good recovery.As for the knockers, where are you hiding ? No negative comments/suggestions on how to coach the team, or how to play this week?....good...give this team a chance, they will do us proud !

- Vince Musolino (posted 27/04/2009 4:41:31 PM)

Anzac Day, what a game!Absolutely sensational! Joffa had the God Jacket on,ha ha. Well done Patrick Ryder on your superb efforts, I am so proud of the way you stood up and stamped your authority on the game, you are thoroughly deserving of the Medal. I am humbled by this team, the way they played, never say die attitude. Too bad to all those people who left before the game end, you missed a very special coming of age for these kids and it can only enhance their belief in themselves. Please lay off Scotty and Lloydy. Everyone gets the yips now and then. Best wishes to David Hille on a speedy recovery.

- Rita Sharrock (posted 27/04/2009 6:04:06 PM)

What can I say Jan Scott... I am not a fan of Leroy Jetta. I think he is over rated and his 2 games this year do not justify the love affair the Essendon supporter base has with him. Jetta played 72% of the game on Anzaz Day for 10 possessions and two crucial clangers. Granted he scored a goal (which he made to look more difficult that what it actually was) and laid a tackle. I dont think he is there just yet...he needs to work on his 1% ers and physical presence similar to the style of Alywn Davey.

- Ozzie Yildiz (posted 27/04/2009 8:29:08 PM)

How amazing was Zaharakis??? what an up and coming star!!! The pressure he was under and he made it happen...being there was great and the screams when he got the goal were amazing!!! Great game Zaharakis and all the Essendon boys!!! Keep up the great work!!! BRING BACK JAY NASH!!!

- Belinda Purves (posted 30/04/2009 9:23:13 AM)

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