22
In the first 22 seconds of the final quarter Zach Merrett had three possessions and kicked the goal that broke the Magpies back.
Essendon entered the final quarter with a lead of 23 points. The first goal was of the last term was crucial.
Merrett had spent most of the third quarter on the bench undergoing medical assessment following the incident with Levi Greenwood.
Despite the lengthy time on the bench, Merrett still collected 25 disposals and had six tackles and six inside 50s.
117
The Dons registered their third highest score of the season against the Pies. Ten individual goal kickers were among the final score of 18.9.117, led by Orazio Fantasia who finished with five goals.
This was the eighth time the Bombers have scored more than 100 points in a match this season. That’s just one shy of the return in 2013 when the Bombers won 14 games.
14
Brendon Goddard took 14 marks throughout the game. It’s a number he’s bettered only once throughout his 304 game career, when he took 15 marks against Geelong while playing for St Kilda in 2006.
The Crichton Medal winner is set to play his 100th game for the Club this Friday against the Saints.
2011
That was the last time David Myers had more than 30 possessions. It was in round eight against the Brisbane Lions to be exact, when the then 21 year old picked up 31 touches in a six goal win.
Myers equalled his best ever disposal haul (31) against the Pies and rounded out the performance with five clearances, four tackles and five inside 50s.
8
Michael Hurley had eight rebounds from the defensive 50 against Collingwood in another polished display from the All Australian. He finished with 30 disposals and 11 marks.
Hurley is the number one rebounding player in the competition this season with 104, 19 more than any other player.
10
Martin Gleeson had ten one-percenters against the Pies with his fearless spoiling a regular feature.
The wiry defender also took seven marks and his strength in the air has provided a boost to an Essendon defence that boasts two key position options (Michael Hurley and Michael Hartley). Gleeson has shown he can play on taller opponents giving the defence extra flexibility.
