Essendon VFL has recorded its sixth straight win after a convincing 50-point victory over North Melbourne at Windy Hill on Saturday.
Despite the visitors clawing back to a 20-point deficit at the final break, the VFL Dons stormed home with five unanswered goals to seal the 12.10 (82) to 4.8 (32) triumph and stay on top of the ladder.
The first major of the match came via Nino Lazzaro 14 minutes into the opening term, highlighting the slightly scrappy start.
Despite both sides struggling to gain clean possession and a few missed tackling opportunities, Essendon was good enough defensively to hold off North Melbourne from registering a major.
With the margin just eight points at the first break and close enough for the Roos to snatch the lead, the Dons came out firing in the second.
An early goal to the visitors brought their deficit back to three points, but a 50m penalty and goal for Noah Gown ignited a spark in the group.
Less than five minutes later, Jake Long used his speed through the corridor to set up Dylan Landt with a shot from outside 50 – backing his ability to kick truly.
Back-to-back goals from Josh Begley and Gown put the Dons up by 24 points up nearing half-time, before a barrage of rain covered the ground.
With patches of hail as well, the slippery conditions added some difficulties, but Essendon responded to the challenge well.
North Melbourne added a behind at the start of the third, before Mark Baguley took a strong chest mark and converted for his first.
Despite the rain easing off, the visitors did not, booting two quick goals by using the corridor and fat side of the ground to their advantage.
Essendon had its own chances to score, but some poor entries inside 50 meant the hard work was going to waste.
Back to a 20-point ball game at the final break, the VFL Dons made sure they ended the Roos’ momentum with a five-goal-to-zero term.
Luke Goetz and Tom Jok alternated ruck duties, while Brandon Zerk-Thatcher read the ball aptly in defence.
Gown finished with three majors, while Josh Begley and Nino Lazzaro contributed with two each.
Senior coach Dan Jordan was “super proud” of his side for the way they handled the past six weeks.
“It was really a team effort today. I said to the boys after the game that I can’t think of a person who didn’t contribute today and that’s all we ask for, particularly in the conditions and playing the roles we needed them to play,” Jordan said.
“Reflecting back, we knew we were going to have a challenging period over those past six games. It’s a super effort from the boys to get through and win the six straight going into the bye.
“I’m super proud of the way that they all worked together and stuck to what we were trying to achieve against North Melbourne.
“We had 23 contributors across the board today, and as a coach that is really pleasing.”
Trent Mynott had 25 touches against North Melbourne. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)
Heading into the bye next weekend before the last month and a bit of the home-and-away season, Jordan just wants the group to remain consistent.
“We’ve asked for consistency all year, and to try narrowing the gap between our poorer footy and our better footy. I think we’re starting to play some consistent four-quarter games now which has showed good growth among the guys.
“Hopefully the guys who get a week off can use that spell to their advantage, because we have some really high-quality opposition coming up which will be a great test for us to see where we’re at in terms of potentially playing some finals footy.”
Essendon 2.0 6.6 7.8 12.10 (82)
North Melbourne 0.4 2.4 4.6 4.8 (32)
Goals: Gown 3, Lazzaro, Begley 2, Landt, Baguley, Houlahan, Hocking, Myers
Disposals: Myers 29, Mynott 25, Heppell 21, Aylett 20, Begley, Landt, Long 18
Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.
