News

Bombers draw with Lions in thriller

Saturday, 8 August 2009
Jessica Cook for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

The Bombers' finals chances lie in limbo after victory was snatched from them in the dying seconds of the game, resulting in a draw with Brisbane. A kick after the siren from Brisbane levelled the scores and denied Essendon the four points they desperately needed.

The Bombers were leading by six points at the 20 minute mark of the final quarter and looked to have the game wrapped up until Daniel Bradshaw marked in the goal square. He kicked after the siren to tie the game up at 87-points apiece.

Assistant coach Scott Camporeale believes that his side were courageous and fought hard all night but poor decision making late in the game cost his side the four points.

“We made some poor decisions in the last quarter and ultimately it cost us the game, the flow of the game went against us for a few minutes -we were able to wrestle it back- but it just wasn’t enough in the end,” he said.

“It is a really disappointing result as we worked hard all night, the boys showed fight and courage in the way they attacked the ball.

“I’m not really sure what we can take from that game besides the two points. The result is not what we were after and really hurts us after we have dropped those last few games.

“We needed those four points to keep our season alive but we’ve really made it extremely difficult for ourselves now.”

In a game where goals were hard to come due to impressive defensive pressure from both sides, Camporeale praised players from both ends of the ground.

“Jay Neagle put in another strong performance tonight kicking three goals, the defensive pressure applied to him was first class and he was able to find space on his opponents,” he said.

"He was certainly our best forward for the game, his two goals in the third quarter sparked the side and it was good to see him back it up after last week.

“Fletcher was really solid all night in his defensive work; he always works really hard out there and tonight was no exception.

“Tayte Pears showed he is the deal real tonight too, he was instrumental in defence tonight keeping Jonathan Brown goal-less.”

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Dyson & McPhee if you will not go hard defensively then just go(and take your beloved coach with you).Many genuine bombers should be preparing for finals.

- Alan Betts (posted 8/08/2009 11:04:39 PM)

how could they stuffed that up? it's time for knighta to spend at least i week with Bendigo bombers.seriously, he needs to get back to his form.

- mark manginsay (posted 8/08/2009 11:06:43 PM)

so proud of that effort with 6 of our best 22 out if we get luck with injurys next year will be top 4.

- glenn dodd (posted 8/08/2009 11:11:11 PM)

Unlucky boys we were the better side most of the night. Just keep trying hard,the future looks very good. Go the bombers!

- Greg Clayton (posted 8/08/2009 11:12:50 PM)

all i gotta say is not happy about the draw in the dying minutes they should of run the time down

- Norman Cacciattolo (posted 8/08/2009 11:12:56 PM)

Again, massive over possession far to much handball, kicking sideways, backwards, short, in any direction but direct and at the goals. Discipline terrible, any other team would have kicked long and deep along the boundary in the dying seconds, not across goal to the top of the opposition's goal square - staggering.

- Francis Connolly (posted 8/08/2009 11:16:03 PM)

YES, THAT IS A MUCH MORE EXCITING SPEEDY TEAM. POTENTIAL ALL OVER THE GROUND. ALL WE NEED IS WINDERLICH AND LOVETT to come back.

- Shannon Hudson (posted 8/08/2009 11:19:59 PM)

Fletcher was again our mainstay, Neagle was good and Pears and Hurley showed out well for the future. It was a scrappy game and disappointing in regard to the hand passing when kicks would have kept us out of a lot of the trouble we found ourselves in. However, credit must be given for the way the team kept at it. GO, DONS, NEXT WEEK. LET'S BE THE ONES WHO TAKE THAT GAME AWAY FROM THE SAINTS, SO THAT OUR 2000 SIDE IS STILL EQUAL. Of course, I believe our 2000 side is the best, anyway.

- Joan Hill (posted 8/08/2009 11:21:25 PM)

Experienced player takes the match saving mark,and then EVERYONE FALLS ASLEEP ON THE FIELD not the best place for it to happen... You could have wiped that smile off that smart a... Voss' face,if only you kept your HEADS. As brave as the effort was against a more experienced side,you had your chance for a deserved reward. At least the inclusions this week gave their all to try and lift the side. Very proud of all your honest efforts tonight.Smart A... Brisbane,very very LUCKY...Umpiring? Up to the "usual standard".

- Noel Shields (posted 8/08/2009 11:22:39 PM)

Kicking across goals, its a sin! to get so close and give it away in the last ten seconds is gut wrenching, lonergan??????

- len moss (posted 8/08/2009 11:28:09 PM)

Pre-season 2010 started tonight with the first hit out which ended in a draw. Good to see Neagle getting game time.

- Chris Chan (posted 8/08/2009 11:28:17 PM)

To that Green Maggot who cost us the finals spot this year, thankyou very much, how Dempsey's chase was not holding the ball has got me stuffed. Overall I have never been so frustrated with our overuse of the ball it was comical and I have never heard a crowd bronx cheer our team as mush as we did night, not a good effort boys!

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 8/08/2009 11:31:46 PM)

absolutely shattered! lonergans last kick should never went across goal if he had to it should have been a good kick, or just go long up the line. pears was great so was neagle,mcphee,watson,atkinson and fletcher. game was a must win, still praying for finals. come on bombers

- Jason Grech (posted 8/08/2009 11:38:55 PM)

Lost for words, we had the game, but we could say we are a bit lucky to walk away with anything. Still unsure of what Lonergan was doing there... Just a very unlucky game there. Stil lnot sure on Quinn and Houli, although Quinn impressed me. Its going to be tough to make finals, but we are still in it, we get Lovett, winderlich and possibly Lloyd back next week, should be interesting. Out will go Quinn, Houli and someone else.

- Joseph Attard (posted 8/08/2009 11:41:12 PM)

bugga bugga bugga well played boys everybody has written us off but we are still here,listen to the game on radio sounds like the young guns did well Houli,Quinn,Neagle and some of the mature players stood up McVeigh,Watson,McPhee and the ever reliable Fletcher ,now we know we can mix it with the top sides lets go and beat the unbeat Saints next week.Go bombers

- Neil Missen (posted 8/08/2009 11:44:04 PM)

I'm not sure how to feel. Great effort tonight boys.Against a top 4/5 side and really should have won. McPee, sorry i've bagged u all year, great show tonight. Well done Watson, Neagle, Hurley, Lovett-Murray, Dempsey, Atkinson and especially the true Legend DUSTIN FLETCHER. More performances like that is what we need, finals this year or not. Well Done. GO BOMBERS

- Jamie Sleep (posted 8/08/2009 11:49:49 PM)

PS, sorry to Pears he kept brown scoreless top job,a champion in the making Go Bombers

- Neil Missen (posted 8/08/2009 11:50:08 PM)

Surely we have better players than Quinn and Davey, I am not sure but surely Jetta/Myers/Daniher would be better options.

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 8/08/2009 11:54:44 PM)

Gutted. Oh well hopefully 2010 is a better year

- chris castell (posted 8/08/2009 11:55:09 PM)

There is no way Neagle was in our best. Yes he kicked 3, but so would anybody else that was in his spot. Needs to be more desperate. Fletcher was awsome, he could play another 3 seasons. Pears was ok but if Brown kicked straight he would have kicked 5 or 6 then it wouldn't have looked so good. Why do we play well against good teams, and so bad against the bottom teams? Am gutted with a draw. Extra time would be a good idea.

- Darren Lock (posted 9/08/2009 12:02:21 AM)

well done to the boys for the way they played tonight, ALTHOUGH there were still TOO MAN costly errors. Back yourselves boys and kick the damn ball, enough handballing to no-one/nothing/nowhere.. The umps ruined it but well done for not giving up Essendon.

- Mary Agius (posted 9/08/2009 12:13:10 AM)

I AM STILL PROUD OF YOU BOMBERS THE WHOLE TEAM HAD A GOOD GAME OF FOOTBALL WE WERE UNLUCKY AT THE END NEVER MIND WE STILL HAVE A CHANCE THREE GAMES TO GO PLAY LIKE YOU DID TONIGHT AND WILL MAKE IT. GOOD LUCK. GO BOMBERS

- Romilda Jones (posted 9/08/2009 12:14:09 AM)

it was dissapointing to finish a draw.but i personally think that the teamessendon fielded was a good team.quinn did good hes gotta learn the game but hes got lots of dash,and i think houli did well too,but im wrapped that they played atkinson this week i like this player hes got go in him.i wonder whats goin on with alwyn davies though? he seems out of sorts.9 is a good place to end up for this team,out of the finals by one game.thats about as good as they are.

- tony castiglia (posted 9/08/2009 12:15:56 AM)

Bad luck boys, should have won, but we got back to playing footy that can win you games. It was great to have guys in the side who weren't scared to run and break the lines. Mcphee, stay up forward!!! Lloydy, Lucas, time to go. With Hurley and neagle there we'd be stupid to stick with older guys ahead of them.

- David Greven (posted 9/08/2009 12:25:16 AM)

GUTTERED. Don't know what else to say. I am SHATTERED.

- Samantha Kisielis (posted 9/08/2009 12:28:00 AM)

Bad Luck Boys, for a youngish side we're doing ok. Dust yourself off, forget tonight's draw and beat the Saints next week, that would be a fitting lament for the season...!!

- Mike Hirsh (posted 9/08/2009 12:36:35 AM)

Hey Mary, Knighta and co ruined it not the umpires. Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 9/08/2009 12:40:34 AM)

Not a bad game, thought the lions would run away with it a few times and we reeled them back and went in front, they will learn when their in that position in the future to ice a game. Neagle didnt look bad, will be interesting if lloyd comes back next week, as they both cant play full foward and neither can adequately play chf, quinn tries and so does houli but needs to do more. Their decision making is still really poor, i can understand pressure is applied but still come on boys.

- Michael Bear (posted 9/08/2009 12:47:53 AM)

is it just me, i am sick of excuses , and losing, i am starting to feel like our culture is one of justifying losses, that was inexcusable tonight,

- andrew swinden (posted 9/08/2009 12:49:12 AM)

Ahhh remeber the good old days when we invented a great tool called "hold the ball up" in the back half and chip it around for 10 mins... i can still here the boo's... now we cant hold it up for 20 seconds.. shame it wasnt lloyd taking that kick he would have pulled up some grass, pulled up his socks.. had a bit of a look around the walked it across the line under pressure :(

- Adam Smith (posted 9/08/2009 12:51:55 AM)

I havent been a huge fan of atkinson, but he didnt look to bad, quick and pretty good skills, should keep his spot, hopefully lovett lloyd and maybe welsh back next week, Davey needs to improve!!

- Michael Bear (posted 9/08/2009 12:54:02 AM)

Will be great to see us in full flight next year, positive signs from the younger players... not convinced by the coaching staff, much prefer a head coach with some degree of success at any coaching level, thanks Ray, i love this club but still cant stand the sight of you.. im the bloke who had the sign at the adelaide game "In Sheedy We Trust.. The EFC Board No More"

- Adam Smith (posted 9/08/2009 12:57:23 AM)

Only myself and three other mates went to tonights debacle. Thanks Knighta and crew. Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 9/08/2009 1:02:00 AM)

Hey Andrew Swinden, get used to it mate, this is the mediocrity that Knighta and co are trying to get us used to mate. Regards Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 9/08/2009 1:06:59 AM)

Too much pointless handball. What on earth was going on in Lonergan's head before that feeble kick? Fletcher needed to play well to make up for those two appalling kicks that cost us goals. We were lucky that Brown had a crooked boot on. Pears did well but Brown still should have kicked several goals. Overall, a big improvement on the last two weeks which cost us a final's place.

- Ian Moore (posted 9/08/2009 1:10:15 AM)

Bloody umpires,once again gotta get involved in a close game.Those were 2 of the WORST decisions at the end of the game i've seen ALL YEAR!!!!!!!!!How can a bloke run 40 meters with the ball,get run down& NOT be holding the bloody ball?????????AND ducking the head in a tackle is EITHER PLAY ON or HOLDING THE BALL!!?Stop blaming Lonergan you people!Had the free kicks been paid,LIKE THEY SHOULD HAVE! ,the ball would'nt have been down there!!!! %&!@# rubbish umpiring!!Robbed!!!No excuse for those 2 poor decisions,they were blatantly obvious! :(RRRRRRRRRR VERY MAD!!

- Mark Elze (posted 9/08/2009 1:51:25 AM)

2 is better than nothing. as long as port and hawthorn decide to be crap again we might have a chance at the finals. a loss would've ensured otherwise.

- Curtis Alcroft (posted 9/08/2009 2:08:36 AM)

You so called bomber supporters are disgraceful! who out of all of you expected essendon to get close tonight. Yes we lost (feels like a loss) and im gutted........but brisbane were full strength and we were anything but. Not to mention our continuous run of back luck from the midgets in green!

- Dominic Moscatello (posted 9/08/2009 3:09:50 AM)

I'd rather draw like last night than have to sit through the 2 previous poor efforts.Let's just field a team that wants to "HAVE A GO". Name should mean nothing when it comes to the selection table!

- Brendan Hayes (posted 9/08/2009 3:26:23 AM)

is davey ever gonna play some good footy this year. he is way, way to soft. Win some contested footy for gods sake.

- craig sinclair (posted 9/08/2009 4:55:14 AM)

when will they learn how to hit their targets with kicking or handpassing, was impressed with attkinsons run , about time he got a game , with more game time he will be a great assert for the club with his speed and class, houli was o.k. needs more gametime , with attkinson houli lovett lovett-murray davey & jetta whindlech.. all with so much pass in this line up should be great for next couple of years...(well done quinn & hurls)

- Darren Pigott (posted 9/08/2009 4:58:09 AM)

PROUD OF THE BOYS. VERY GOOD EFFORT. MCPHEE IS A SUPERB LEADER, IF YOU DONT LIKE HIM, STOP FOLLOWING ESSENDON.

- Komal Sidhu (posted 9/08/2009 6:18:03 AM)

Quinn has done a great job to be where he is and earning his place in the side, but I agonised over his slipping to the turf, and on the first occasion, being properly caught in a tackle. Why are players not told to wear long stops? Also the INS all did well, Atkinson, Houli, Lovett-Murray. It will be hard decision time at the next selection table.

- Neil Poyner (posted 9/08/2009 6:29:34 AM)

Knights has not got a tactical move in his body and he should stop playing his pets(stanton) if we had another tall like bellchambers that would have helped in the ruck and gone down forward it would have made a big difference they will kill paddy they expect to much from him

- Paul Vassallo (posted 9/08/2009 6:35:39 AM)

Alan Betts,are you serious? Finals?!! Without Ruckmen,CHF? Next year maybe,but we won't seriously challenge if year ending injuries determine our year's destiny again... Sir Idiot,you are a fool sometimes,you do not enhance your status in these forums with stupid comments.. You have a brain and a love for the EFC which we all admire,so don't waste it with childish comments.

- Noel Shields (posted 9/08/2009 6:47:56 AM)

Hey Ivar, What about Fletcher? Are you calling for his head? He directly cost us 2 goals. Poor kicking from full back. Bad luck Bombers,a much better performance than the previous few weeks. Some small lapses cost us the game. Unfortunately the season is over for us now, we can still hurt a few finalists now.

- Nathan Crocker (posted 9/08/2009 7:08:39 AM)

Gee, you guys are pretty tough on this group of young players.Did anyone give us a chance to be even fighting for a finals at start of the year.Given a few less injuries this side has proven this year they can play some very good footy against very good teams.

- jye robinson (posted 9/08/2009 7:49:03 AM)

How did we let that 1 slip, Jarrod Atkinson Great game mate. Should've been in a long,long time ago, him & Dempsey very quick & exciting.Also great games from Fletcher & Pears they were very good down back, Fletcher was pretty stiff was'nt even a free kick to Bradshaw.Anyway Lovett & Welsh IN Slattery & Quinn OUT for the Saints game & hopefully Lloydy the week after.C'Mon BOMBERS step up & knock off the Saints

- Ben O'Neill (posted 9/08/2009 8:15:52 AM)

REALITY CHECK, we are not a top 8 team(yet). Would not progress any higher with 1 Tireless ruckmen,if he gets hurt there is no plan B, if Nathan is our backup ruckman because of his height we are in the creek not up it.Went to GABBA in rd 6 and left confused, LLOYD, LUCAS, LOVETT,WINDA all played that night and we got carved up.Not competing at the stoppages, panic handball and short passing in defence. DON`T blame Sam the whole team has been doing it all year under Knights advice.No change since round 6, Would they play like that under JAMES HIRD?

- Barry Douce (posted 9/08/2009 8:29:29 AM)

What is the difference between this weeks and last weeks teams ??? it is because last nights team was back to something like we had at the start of this season ?? Young, fit, fast,i admit i was one that thought how good are we going to be when our senior experienced players come back,back isn't that when we started losing games ??? maybe if our runners can't come up each week, make 4 changes every week !!! bring in fit,fast,hungry, players willing to take the "game-on"

- Tez Katajala (posted 9/08/2009 8:34:50 AM)

Its time the EFC grew a backbone and make a decision on Stanton, he has been in the system for way too long now and is and always has been a sheepdog, always looking for the easy kick. Trade him before these drafts take place and get something decent for a hack of a player, a disgrace to the number 5!

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 9/08/2009 8:40:44 AM)

I agree with someone who said that lapses at certain points in the game cost us, but on the positive side, all the inclusions for last night's game made a valuable contribution, and we got a glimpse of the future up forward without Lloyd and Lucas thanks to Negel's three-one. Well, we probably won't make finals now, but let's try and make it difficult for other teams, eh? And what effect will this draw have in the next three weeks? Good or bad? Good luck in the remaining games, Bombers, and let's try and finish the year on a good note.

- Maranatha Sao-Mafiti (posted 9/08/2009 8:44:14 AM)

TO PAUL VASSALLO DO YOU FOLLOW EFC BELLCHAMBERS IS SUSPENDED BY THE VFL HE COULD NOT BE IN THE SQUAD ANYWAY. I AGRE WITH JYE ROBINSON, THE BOYS DID WELL EXCEPT THE LAST FEW SECONDS.

- Romilda Jones (posted 9/08/2009 9:00:23 AM)

plenty of positive signs to come out of this season; we will have a great backline in the future and most of the young guys that have played have great potential. the only areas of concern for me are with our experienced players, guys from the sheedy era. Guys the likes of Stanton, should be influencing games every week, if they are not maybe they aren't good enough. I don't like seeing young 2nd-3rd year players like Myers, Houli, Daniher etc, wallowing in the twos while senior players like Stanton let us down...game time in these young players is crucial, not a flogging if we make the finals.

- Leigh Russell (posted 9/08/2009 9:11:25 AM)

I guess it shows where we are at when other teams step up around finals time and we just continue to to lose winnable matches against inferior competition. Absolutely no chance against Saints next week, no matter how dillusional half of our supporters are!

- Dean Horton (posted 9/08/2009 9:33:35 AM)

Alan Betts - You are a dill

- David Russell (posted 9/08/2009 9:36:02 AM)

Like I said before Davey runs around like a headless chook. And plays like one too. He ain't the only one either. We will NOT win another game this season. Didn't I say this a few weeks ago??? Yes muppetts I did!!! Time for Knighta and co to go. Regads Ivar.

- Ivar Biggen (posted 9/08/2009 9:37:06 AM)

alan you're a peanut. Dyson is prob one of the few guys that constantly hits targets and Mcphee was one of our best. you foegt his defensive effort running backwith the flight?? People like you only see what they want to see!

- Paul Bacash (posted 9/08/2009 9:40:00 AM)

I always prefer to look at the positives, Pears is a ripper, he is so cool, Hurley will be a star, big and strong, Neagle, when he gets AFL fit, he will destroy sides, Jobe and Pris, they will be elite mids,another couple of pre-seasons and 50 more games of experience, the mighty red and black will a power again. lots to look forward to, big strong fast team in 2010-2012.

- Richard Neudert (posted 9/08/2009 9:43:48 AM)

Very disappointed. The big plus is effort from individuals has improved. However, kill,decision making, and ultimately ability to execute the gameplan as a TEAM is still missing. We managed a draw because the BL is also playing sub par. Looking forward to 2010 with much improvement is EFFORT and TEAM WORK (like St.K vs Hawthorn this round). All the best for next season.

- Francis Fung (posted 9/08/2009 9:52:36 AM)

I just viewed Matty Knight's post game interview, and was amazed with his clear, concise, honest and intelligent summation of the match and the team. No finals obsessive damnation at a lost opportunity - because he knows, as do any fans with an I.Q., that we are a club on the rise! More than half of tonight's team had less than 30 games experience, for starters. These forums have lately become a rogue's gallery, with far too much pontificating and very little support - and yet we all claim to be supporters. Work THAT out...

- Dennis Green (posted 9/08/2009 10:02:04 AM)

Atkinson Houli and Dempsey in Defence Winderlich Lovett and Reimers in middle Davey tackling preasure Quinn will only improve. that is what can kill teams.

- Shannon Hudson (posted 9/08/2009 10:04:01 AM)

we still played welll and all use soo called fans are putting us down. uses couldnt do a better job and we can still make the finals anything can happen

- Cohlby Giblett (posted 9/08/2009 10:18:46 AM)

Much better, at least we were awake tonight. Disappointing result though!! Keep up the momentum and we might just make it!!

- Leanne Butterworth (posted 9/08/2009 10:46:14 AM)

Good Game. McPhee was good tonight, stod up well as one of our most senior players out there. Very exciting to see such a young side stand up so well to a high quality side. Bachar Houli preformed very well which was good to see, and he should keep his spot. Not dissapointed with the draw at all considering most people expected us to come into this match and get flogged. Congrats to Neagle who has preformed well since coming into the side.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 9/08/2009 10:56:26 AM)

Hey people, I suggest you watch the other teams play,look @ Cats/Hawks both one flags with possession footy, handball, EVERY team in the comp kick across goal, it opens up the game,maybe 1 or 2 times a round it comes unstuck but mostly it creates space,don't know who kicked across goal last night,BUT over the years I have seen Fletch do it @ cost games so NO blame games please

- Mark McLachlan (posted 9/08/2009 10:59:53 AM)

Also, If you are all experts, then put up the team you would like to see next week against St Kilda. I'm not an expert but it would be interesting to see who gets dropped and who plays. I think it would create a good amount of argument between us fans also. Consider our current injury list, form of players etc. I really want this as I'm sick of reading ridiculous comments after we lose or draw. If we had of won there wouldn't have been any complaining.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 9/08/2009 11:07:37 AM)

Before having the now very boring go at coaches etc, how about all acknowledging that this is a very young side. At one stage on the whole forward line McPhee was the oldest player, but the boys had a red hot go, and anyone who doubts McPhee's courage obviously didn't watch the mark he took flying backwards towards Brissie's goal in the last quarter. Lay off the boys, and get real. Some shocking umpiring ruined our night, coupled with inexperience, which will improve.

- Graeme Blore (posted 9/08/2009 11:07:44 AM)

Some of you are real clowns. I assume you, Darren Lock, could kick 3 goals against Daniel Merrett? (you said anyone could). We had key outs, guys who played for Bendigo, kids vs. the likes of Black, Brown, Bradshaw. We blooded young players. Our team did well and will learn alot. Don't let one or two slips in the backline ruin the fact an old man and a kid kept 2 of the most dangerous forwards quiet for most of the night.

- Daniel Milford (posted 9/08/2009 11:09:16 AM)

well, i did`nt even think we would get close! we done boys,its better then another loss,now regroup & bring on the saints & ruin their perfect season, great to see Atkinson had a good game,well done Jarrod hope you get a gig next week

- mawby Ian (posted 9/08/2009 11:10:51 AM)

Exciting game, disappointing not to get the result, but at least showed we are building some depth, and forward line may start to work after lloyd and lucas go. All i can say is, bring on the saints, great test for our young side and could possibly be a great game if they are not to big for us. And for today only, go freo!

- Daniel Parkinson (posted 9/08/2009 11:23:01 AM)

Yep..devastated would be a good word. Soooo disappointing. But some good signs. I love Quinn. He's attitude is fantastic. Looks like he's loving every minute of it. He just needs heaps more experience. Atkinson was a great inclusion. Houli tried hard. Pears a champion in the making. Fletcher a legend. Stanton....bye..bye. I'll be there to see you take it up to the Saints boys. Good luck.

- Adrianne Blainey (posted 9/08/2009 11:34:18 AM)

Good on you boys well played. A bit stiff when it counted but a great platform to continually build on for the future. Very close to finals this year Knighta, Next year we must expect finals from this group. GO BOMBERS!

- Nathan Crocker (posted 9/08/2009 11:39:11 AM)

so close

- Jonnie Gety (posted 9/08/2009 11:58:40 AM)

Don't know which game alan betts was at ??? Thought dyson did some reasonable work and mcphee was more than useful and saved the game going back with the flight of the ball in dying seconds - well almost! Good effort, though like the West Coast game too much indecision and kicking sideways. Shattered but heading in the right direction!

- Peter Venn (posted 9/08/2009 12:03:16 PM)

give this side some credit. 10 players with under 30 games. the boys gave it their all and lost on the last kick of the night. how we even got in a position to win with the players out was a huge effort. lay off kinghts at least he gives the kids a chance at it

- mick bomber (posted 9/08/2009 12:10:07 PM)

Well done Bombers. Unfortunate for the draw as it should have been a deserved win. Neagle u r fantastic!!!! Sooooo good to see you getting game time. Neagle and McPhee work well up forward together. Great to see the young blokes getting a go and much needed game experience. Never thought Dons were finals contenders this year, however bring on 2010!!!!

- Little Munchkin (posted 9/08/2009 12:21:02 PM)

alwyn davey isnt good enough, when the going gets tough he is knowhere to be seen, either falling over or avoiding the play, drop him and make him earn his spot

- eddie pascoe (posted 9/08/2009 12:29:51 PM)

Nathan Crocker, how can you place any blame on Dustin Fletcher? Players such as Stanton, Dempsey and Slattery are costing us games..

- Paul Casey (posted 9/08/2009 12:34:59 PM)

don't give up yet for finals go freo

- don carter (posted 9/08/2009 12:39:41 PM)

Lloyd, Lovett, Hille, Welsh, Winderlich out... Top knotch effort bombers. We have come a long way quickly and will continue to improve as our boys get bigger and more game time. The lions are a top 4 side and we drew... Some people expect too much and are too impatient. i'd like to see some of you who are complaining go out there and try and get a kick or have a stint in the coaches box.

- Matthew McPherson (posted 9/08/2009 12:55:25 PM)

Good effort against a more experienced side, but just a few poor decisions let this one get away. So what we are not going to play finals this year,this is a very young side & everyone is expecting too much too soon.We had some fantastic wins early in the season but it is obvious that we have fallen away in intensity due to our youth not Matthew Knight's coaching.Still love you Knighta & still love the Bombers,I am really proud of your progress!!!

- Helen Constance (posted 9/08/2009 12:58:44 PM)

How many times this year have we seen the team try to maintain possession only to lose it with a disappointing goal scored against us before a siren? It's either poor skills under pressure or poor judgement, but this should have been fixed ages ago- and it's a coaching error, not Lonergan's sole responsibility. The thought of a kicking across goal should never have entered his head.

- David Durance (posted 9/08/2009 1:00:00 PM)

Iva cannot believe you went to the game knowing you would be disapointed whether we won or lost.I bet you are one of those supporters that we hate sitting next to at a game as all they do is complain & winge about the game and the players.Next time someone is at a game and he hears the person next to him complain throughout the game turn to him and ask him is name,if it is Iva could you please tell him for all the supporters,SHUT UP and stay off the website.Diane Bacchus Marsh

- Diane Trask (posted 9/08/2009 1:14:35 PM)

Jonathon Brown said on the sunday footy show that essendon supporters have something to look forward to in the coming years with our young players,that we will have a good defence in the years to come.least he sees we have a young side and that you cannot expect miricles in the first couple of years with such a young side,as knights keeps saying,we are rebuilding.THAT TAKES TIME.Diane Bacchus Marsh pt1

- Diane Trask (posted 9/08/2009 1:21:44 PM)

A message to the knockers great teams don't come about from winning all the time. We can still beat the Saints next week. The knockers want it all now, look at us in the early 80s and then we won back to back premierships. These boys need to believe in themselves especially during the down times because that builds character not the slagging from supporters on the sidelines reminding them of mistakes they make. So let's get behind the boys for the last 3 games, because in 2 years time when we are top 4, pressing for a flag,we can look back and say it was the seasons of famine that made us strong.

- Joe Ferry-Gibson (posted 9/08/2009 1:22:11 PM)

to all you useless so called essendon supporters namely ivar biggin, obviously you dont get to to many games from the crap that pours out from you. all i hear are you so called supporters having a dig at the players and their mistakes, well how about you try something different and start supporting the team. i dont know to many players at essendon or even the afl that would run back with the flight of the ball with johnno brown running at you. yes mcphee and other may make mistakes but at least they are having a crack. so how about you get a clue and start cheering for these blokes instead of being a bunch of nobs.

- Mario Gallucci (posted 9/08/2009 1:25:26 PM)

pt2 geelong,hawthorn,st kilda,bulldogs all of these teams didnt make it to the finals in their first couple of years while they were rebuilding,no one gave us a chance of being in the position we are in on the ladder let alone get close to brisbane with such a young side in and the outs we had, so well done essendon. I for one am proud of the essendon football club.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 9/08/2009 1:27:27 PM)

Ivar, you are such a parrot. You keep blaming Knighta when he is not even on the ground. If we had of won,(nearly did) would you still blame him? Have you ever played footy Ivar? If so, were you the bench warmer? Keep up the good work Knightsy and go the Dons.

- Cory Williams (posted 9/08/2009 1:28:23 PM)

pt3 To all you supporters who bag the players and knights,reading you coments I dont think you would say anything constructive if we did have a win.There was so many good points to talk about,fletch,pears,hurley,neagle to name a few and all you could say were negative words.If we dont make the finals this year I am certain we will next year,will be better for the year and the kids will have another year under their belt.Support our boys.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 9/08/2009 1:34:04 PM)

I was always a believer that umpires dont decide games but tonight I changed my mind. That Green Low life that was to scared to make that decision when Dempsey made that great run down because is was late in the game should be saked. We should be getting a please explain from those incompetent Low lifes

- Tom Fraser (posted 9/08/2009 2:05:16 PM)

just reading about bendigo g jetta ad avery good game daniher kicked 5 goals why aren,t they in the essendon side i really hope essendon scrap the selection panal they have cost essendon a spot in the 8 u should all stand in a line and take a bow and after that go join soccer

- Joe Muscara (posted 9/08/2009 2:08:53 PM)

Very, very disappointing.

- Michael Marks (posted 9/08/2009 2:22:37 PM)

Not many constructive comments here! We still have to work on our skills and pressure on the opposition when they have possession, but a good effort anyway!

- Jeffrey Erlich (posted 9/08/2009 3:10:42 PM)

Hey Ivar,this mediocrity that Knights has instilled into the team has put us far ahead of where we should be with such a young side, our back apart from Fletch ave age about 19ish, @ compete against the top side with far more experience & far more developed, think how good this squad will be in a realistic time frame, Ivar I am convinced you have only started watching footy this year or else you would have noticed the developing times it took Cats/Hawks to win flags & now the saints, who have about 9 1st round draft picks but still have taken 5-6 years to get to the top.. Think man !!!

- Mark McLachlan (posted 9/08/2009 3:28:53 PM)

Great to see a real effort after the 2 previous games. Time to select Bellchambers as a real backup ruckman and give Davey and Slattery a run in the VFL. Neither do enough and lack decision making. Fletcher had a a great game but spoiled it with 2 kicks to give away goals. All the 'ins' did well and gave us good run.

- Brian Stooke (posted 9/08/2009 3:31:36 PM)

bring in Leroy Jetta he is a gr8 player. Houli shld always stay in the team. Get rid of davey. Next week lovett will be back and we will beat the saints COME ON BOMBERS!

- Sudip Mitra (posted 9/08/2009 3:53:55 PM)

sometimes i don't know whats worse ''a draw or getting trashed' i felt so dead after the match. i hope we didn't get any injuries from this horrod game .. but i would not change this team for ext week (only lloydy) if able to play.. great effort though we were a 4 to 1 chance ' lets be the 1st team this yr to beat the saints 'with a possible thought in our heads it can be done ... good luck boys.

- Darren Pigott (posted 9/08/2009 4:07:47 PM)

I heard a rumor that Ivar Biggen is really Kevin Sheedy..................

- Trevor Swain (posted 9/08/2009 4:22:51 PM)

What happened their. oh well a draw is better than loss but a win is alot better.

- Rory Albert (posted 9/08/2009 4:44:25 PM)

Come on let's down the Saints and hold our 2000 records! Gotta play finals...

- Jesse Collyer (posted 9/08/2009 4:51:59 PM)

Lonergan?? Maybe some practice for the kicking. Also why didn't anyone make any leads in the dying seconds so Lonergan had to kick across goals??

- Elise Ko (posted 9/08/2009 5:04:32 PM)

surely slattery and quinn go out 4 lovett + winders,fletcher best with jobe,atkinson great,quinn reminded me of the benny hill show he was comical slipping over,good to see him kick a goal but give him more time to pick the pace and skill of the game,pears and pris good signs for next year,thanx briggsy

- Samantha Briggs (posted 9/08/2009 6:07:24 PM)

To all the unsupportive people who keep commenting; stop wasting space. Well done to the team out there, the win would've been helpful but we learnt a lot about some players. Atkinson and Houlli really worked hard for their positions and should be in the team next week. Quinn tried hard and did some good things as well. Neagle is starting to step up and that next level is just around the corner, if the Bombers keep the work rate up we can take it up to the Saints, CARN DONS!!!

- Liam Doidge (posted 9/08/2009 6:46:19 PM)

very good game.. bombers stepped up.. I WAS AT THE GAME!! AND IT WAS THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN THE BOMBERS PLAY!! the bombers just have to learn to kick the footy and move the footy away from the apponants goals..

- gemma chiodo (posted 9/08/2009 7:04:01 PM)

Hey, West Coast's win over Dogs makes the form line read a bit different, On any given day any of the top 10 - 12 teams can beat any other team, so just reflect on the improvement so far this year & look forward to an exciting few years for this squad

- Mark McLachlan (posted 9/08/2009 7:21:11 PM)

great game and mark mcphee you anwsered your critics tonight what was the umpires thinking? I think essendon will get beat by about 150 next week just not up to the saints level tackling, commitment and skill level

- cameron stebbeings (posted 9/08/2009 7:39:52 PM)

Hi y'all this is Mike from Detroit. I love the mighty Bombers but the coach aint to good.

- Michael Marks (posted 9/08/2009 7:42:08 PM)

FRREEEOOO way to go... beat port power at SubIO FREEOOO way to go.. might have saved the Mighty Bombers!!! How many get out of jail free cards do we need... time for us to rise to the challange and get the Saints back for what they did to us at the end of last season!! We play great against great teams... lets make this a defining moment in season 2009!!

- Adam Smith (posted 9/08/2009 7:59:46 PM)

great effort boys. just unfortunate we couldnt seal the four points which would have seen us in the top 8 with at the expense of port adelaide. the y0ung kids look great, will all be much better for the run next year. next week nothing to lose, take them on and have a big dip. you never know what could happen. and ivar biggen, pull your head in. you can't call yourself an essendon supporter with the garbage that comes out of your mouth. do us all a favour and shut it.

- Michael Rice (posted 9/08/2009 8:03:54 PM)

Ivar you knob Jockey, we will make finals and what we displayed on the weekend was actually good, if you cant see that u are on serious smack ( yeah at times we over used the ball but we are young). You said that our young bombers have no hope, but atkinson, houli, lonergan, pears, neagle, ryder all played excellent. These players all have played under 20 games (except ryder). Add winderlich, lovett and welsh back in the team and we are back. Pull your head out, because you are not right you tool. Atkinson you gune. Go bombers pee off ivar

- James Bourne (posted 9/08/2009 8:15:51 PM)

This game has most likely stuffed us up 4 the finals this year! But next year we are looking dangerous and lets hope we can take it up to the saints this sunday and with some luck on our side you never no what can happen :)

- jessica flood (posted 9/08/2009 9:16:13 PM)

I'm sick of reading comments from 'whinging' supporters. Adam McPhee took one of the most courageous marks you would see. It nearly won us the game. We were unlucky in the end but the coaches did the right thing selecting Houli, Atkinson & Quinn. If we won the game no one would be carrying on the way you are. Hopefully we see Jetta and Daniher in the team soon. Go Bombers!

- Stefano Boscaglia (posted 9/08/2009 9:20:59 PM)

1st of all alan, your saying mcphee "go hard"......and the HEADLINE for this article is " mcphee takes a courageous mark". that doesnt make sense. and why are people saying how could we lose that? this team (brisbane) were dubbed a top four team and people are angry we drew????? well done bombers cant wait for next weeks blockbuster........

- scott moore (posted 9/08/2009 9:33:14 PM)

after going to the game then watching it on tv and knowing the result was able to watch and concentrate on the game without getting emotional this time.As Dunstall said how great both teams played and what a terrific and exciting game it was,as for Brian Stooke,bellchambers was not brought in as he was suspended for a week.If people are going to critisise least now the facts.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 9/08/2009 9:38:37 PM)

This week is going to be very interesting now with Port Adelaide going down in shocking fashion to the Dockers. At this point in time, i would take a draw or even a win now. The saints are due for a loss, they haven't been playing that good. This week, the ins and outs in my opinion should look like this. IN: Andrew Lovett and Andrew Welsh OUT: Michael Quinn and Bachar Houli They will not drop Slattery, face it.

- Joseph Attard (posted 9/08/2009 10:17:20 PM)

As devastated and shattered as I was with the result (even shed a tear), have a thought for how the young players would be feeling. Some of them slogged their guts out for no reward. What a numb feeling. Then they have to read the crap written on here. I am sure they arent feeling real great this morning. Lets keep encouraging them and show we are really "supporters". Go Bombers!!!

- Karen Bojczuk (posted 9/08/2009 10:34:09 PM)

too true mark. when it comes to essendon mcburney is nothing more than a blatant cheat. club should have some balls and speak out about that non decision instead of talking about lonegan's decision making.

- IAN GARDEN (posted 9/08/2009 10:41:51 PM)

Great effort against formidable opposition. Gutless umpire should have rewarded the obvious free kick in the last minute - and we win! Good to see our forwards contesting, leading, marking and kicking goals - lots of positives to look forward to from Hurley and Neagle in years to come. Saints only won the first quarter against us, and won the game - we can get over them! Go Bombers!

- Marian Adamcewicz (posted 10/08/2009 7:39:19 AM)

Well hasn't Port opened it up. Has anybody done the ladder predictor? All of a sudden we need to barrack for Carlton this week. Port is not home yet. If Carlton beat them, we don't have to win against Saints to make finals just need to beat Freo Hawks, and then we might even get Carlton first week of the finals. As much as I hate doing it C'mon Carlton!

- Malcolm Milgate (posted 10/08/2009 8:12:33 AM)

Why doesnt anyone bag Paddy Ryder on here, he has been a disgrace for the past 7 weeks... and dont say he is hurting and run out of puff cause he has been rucking all year... Mitch Clark has been doing the same all year and SMASHED!!! him. Perhaps if Padyy could take more than 1 mark and 6 disposals we may have won.

- paul carter (posted 10/08/2009 8:27:09 AM)

I'd like to think that some members of the 2000 team would visit the club this week. I'd like to think that pride in past achievements was 'quietly' discussed and that this week was not just about 4 points but about honouring the greats of the past. I'd like to see the players take up the challenge and rise to the occassion.

- Jeff Forster (posted 10/08/2009 8:58:58 AM)

Six points up with 40 seconds to play, no excuses losing this one. Last 4 weeks football has been very dissappointing! I do hope Knights is alert to what is a fundamental problem for this side - no forward structure. We need key forward players that can provide genuine targets for our entries inside 50. Will not threaten finals or win a premiership without them!

- Simon McGregor (posted 10/08/2009 10:15:41 AM)

Paul Carter you are a disgrace. You're not wanted mate. So get off this forum.

- Stefano Boscaglia (posted 10/08/2009 10:34:04 AM)

Bit stiff, Dons. Great effort. Don't give Sammy Lonergan too much curry, folks. The bloke knows he made a clanger. Hopefully a lesson learnt there. Gonna need a bigger effort v Saints on Sunday with hopefully a few guns back in!

- Luke Dummett (posted 10/08/2009 10:35:04 AM)

Bombers played well should have put that game away, Lonergan should have kicked to wing or down middle. BAD MISTAKE. How many chances do we need , dont deserve finals,

- Robert Radulovich (posted 10/08/2009 10:44:07 AM)

Last 2 weeks were poor efforts, bombers effort was much improved against the Lions who (on paper) had the stronger side. If the umpires had paid Dempsey's tackle on Notting in the dying moments, we probably wouldn't have seen the ball end up with Bradshaw with just 5 secs to go. Go Dons!

- Shez Nunn (posted 10/08/2009 10:53:06 AM)

Good point, Paul. Ryder can take a grab and kicks it a mile- be nice to utilise these skills, wouldn't it?

- Luke Dummett (posted 10/08/2009 10:53:35 AM)

i think we've done alright this year...we have the makings of a very good team in the future...look at the spine over the next few years...pears,hurley,ryder,gumbleton,neagle...patience people...

- Anthony Cornelisz (posted 10/08/2009 10:59:01 AM)

To all those people knocking Matthew Knights as a Coach, would you put a post on here and tell us all what your claim to fame as a Coach is?? I went to the game travelling from Albury(4Hours)thinking it would be a flogging. I came away disppointed at the draw but happy with the players effort against a team in 4th. To much is expected of the players at this stage. How long has it taken St Kilda to get to were they are now? 7-8 years and some on here expect our team to do that in 18 months. If you are not happy, go build a bridge and get over it!!!! and follow some other team!!!!

- Margaret Livingstone (posted 10/08/2009 11:35:46 AM)

good to see some of the young blokes stand up... neagle was good with his 3 goals and pears u r a champion... u killed brown. for a 19 yr old u have a massive future. well done to fletch as well, u were inspirational. disappointing but there are some positives

- afradopilious frette (posted 10/08/2009 11:49:03 AM)

Paul Carter, you must surely be joking. And as for Ivar, your boring weekly diatribe indicates that you would be far better off following (note - i did not say supporting) another team who is worthy of your moronic sarcasm

- Paul White (posted 10/08/2009 12:03:25 PM)

Brown did not kick goals because he was kept to the flanks & out too far to be accurate so well done Pears and others. Fletch kicked a couple of lousy kicks which was out of character, otherwise great as usual. McPhee was great & so was Lonergan, he gets a lot of the ball others don't and if we had of kicked better or not lost possesion of the ball as much would not have been in the position he was put in. Neagle & Hurley look like a 1st class duo & we have Daniher to come in as well.

- Diane Hunter (posted 10/08/2009 1:00:40 PM)

To those complaining about overuse of the football, get over it!! Good to see the boys taking risks after a few weeks of being in their shell. Great stuff and the only thing that kept us in the game. Shame about the end. Hopefully Loners will learn and just kick the ball hard next time rather than placing it. And Ivar, enough of this muppet rubbish. Go take a hike, you are a pathetic excuse for a supporter.

- Davor Stanic (posted 10/08/2009 3:30:44 PM)

Great effort Dons! Very very happy with Neagle, Pears, Houli and especially Atkinson. I want to see more of Atkinson in the team - he's a real player with a great work ethic, and how good was that smother on Brown? Three points to make: (1) the umps did not cost us the game, we got some cheap frees early and them's the breaks (2) banish the draw - keep playing until next team scores - draws suck! and (3) we can do the Saints next week. Yes, that's right, we can and will sink them Sainters .... GO BOMBERS!!

- Luke Smith (posted 10/08/2009 3:50:50 PM)

Finally people, yes we are the majority are starting to stand up to the KING MUPPET. Ivar "NO FOOTY BRAIN" Biggen. This young side is performing at a great level. The kids are going to be great servents of the Essendon Football club. This lot will contest finals soon, 2010 at worst. We got smacked last year often and this year we have been competitive in all barr 2 games. WE'RE WITH YOU KNIGHTA and BOYS. GO BOMBERS!

- Nathan Crocker (posted 10/08/2009 3:56:16 PM)

Gutted by the draw, but I think if you said before the game that we would draw, most Bomber supporters would have accepted that. As for kicking across the goaline, it was a perfectly viable option, only executed poorly

- Andrew Leung (posted 10/08/2009 4:48:28 PM)

Well put Dennis Green. This team is a view of the future (no Lloyd or Lucas) and I like what I see. I expected to get thrashed based on the last 2 weeks so was delighted to be as competitive against a good team in good form. Add Lovett & Winders plus improvement with our young players to that team and we're looking good. It was never about this year (but it would have been good to sneak into the finals - unlikely now).

- Des Ploog (posted 10/08/2009 5:56:34 PM)

Get back Dean Solommon 'NOW' we need a minder for our young kids.. he may give away the odd free kick now & then ... but he was always there to help with his great sheperd work wicth u ppl tend to forget about.. just his presence on the ground would make our kids fell just that little bit taller and secure ...COME BACK SOLLY PLZ''

- Darren Pigott (posted 10/08/2009 6:49:33 PM)

How does Slattery get a game every week he is hopeless do not waste your time with him like we did with Bradley, Johns, Henneman.Knights doing great with the young players but should be playing Zaka, Daniher its all about game time.Option trade Mcveigh,Welsh,and the obvious Slattery,Skipworh? recruit young fast midfielders might help;

- Mary karvellas (posted 10/08/2009 8:41:45 PM)

You're right Andrew Leung. Most of us expected to be beaten by a physically stronger opponent. We have a list of very talented young players whose decision-making and disposal should improve with another year of experience. Great to see Jay kicking some goals. He was terrific on the lead, taking several strong marks and he's a fantastic kick whether at goal or passing. We have done incredibly well without the presence of David Hille. Let's hope we can keep all our big men on the park next year. If we can, we will be genuine contenders.

- Ian Moore (posted 10/08/2009 9:29:16 PM)

great now we have to idiots in this forum,Ivar and now paul carter who thinks we should blame paddy for our loss.The reason no one has bagged paddy is because he is doing a terrific job out on the ground YOU MORON!another moron who has just started following our great game by the sounds of it.GO BOMBERS.diane

- Diane Trask (posted 10/08/2009 10:30:54 PM)

Good on you Margaret Livingstone GET INTO THEM !! Another true supporter speaks :-) We will all be rewarded one day,and the doubters and knockers will feel a might bit silly to have been so harsh and impatient at the rebuilding process that had to take place,to ensure hopeful continuing success EACH YEAR,not every so often...Maintain the support,faith AND the passion GOOD PEOPLE :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 11/08/2009 12:01:43 AM)

its becoming more and more clear that a lot of you who comment on here actually know NOTHING about AFL. The stupid things you call for, the players and coaches you blame. Im embarrassed that you are the group of supporters who represent our team here. There are a few exceptions, but not many, Knights is a good coach, we are a developing team, try supporting instead of complaining, you are turning into Collingwood supporters..

- darren davey (posted 11/08/2009 10:28:19 AM)

Paul Carter, you need your head examined. Be sure to take Ivar with you. Go the Dons.

- Cory Williams (posted 11/08/2009 3:32:12 PM)

robert radulovich go back and watch the last couple of seconds of the game,there was no lead for lonegan to kick to.Fletch was on his own he needed to kick it in quick to fletch before brown got to the ball.mary karvellas you are joking about getting rid of those players,are you trying to be funny.slattery gets a game each week as he deserves to be in the team,as for bradley I gather you didnt watch the freo game sunday he was one of the best on ground.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 11/08/2009 8:04:23 PM)

Draw haters, you would only hate draws until you had played a game with extra time and lost, you would be saying damn, just lost 2 premiership points!

- David Greven (posted 11/08/2009 10:26:19 PM)

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