An emotional Mark McVeigh has hailed today’s win over St Kilda as Essendon’s best victory of the season with the Bombers sneaking home by two points in a nail-biting finish.

“It was just unbelievable. To be able to execute a win like we did was absolutely awesome and I’m speechless,” McVeigh said.

“Yes, there are a few tears. It has been a hard year. It’s just good to be involved. My voice is nearly gone but it is just amazing.”

After applying strong defensive pressure early, Essendon looked to have the match won late in the third term when they held a comfortable seven goal lead. However St Kilda responded in the final term, piling on the goals to keep the Bombers on their toes.

Essendon had multiple opportunities to seal the game late in the final quarter but, leading by three points, it came down to a kick at goal after the siren by Nick Riewoldt. He missed and the Bombers inflicted the Saints' first loss of the year.
Click here to read the quarter by quarter match report on Live Scores.

McVeigh praised the performances of Michael Hurley and Jobe Watson in the Bombers' unforgettable win.

“Hurley was unbelievable. He will play over 250 games. He is just a great young man and I was proud of him today,” he said.

“Jobe was terrific too. He is a fantastic leader among the group and I think he showed it in our midfield tonight. The whole midfield fought hard and it was great to see him leading by example.”

McVeigh was especially pleased that Essendon were the team that were able to halt the Saints' unbeaten run.

“They (St Kilda) were always going to be a little bit mentally flat and physically flat because they have had a big season but back in 2000, I know we needed that loss to win the Premiership so they will be hard to beat in the future,” McVeigh said.
Click here to view or purchase photos from the game.