“I thought Paddy did well but with the amount of clear football going down to Franklin, I think he found it pretty hard.
“Kyle Reimers was pretty good in the way he went about the game. Sam Lonergan was also effective in the first half and Jason Winderlich was better this week. David Myers was also pretty good – certainly around the stoppages, so there is certainly a lot to look forward to.”
It was an entertaining first quarter of football, with hotly contested play in supply. The early signs looked promising for an inspired Essendon line-up whose intensity was a step up on weeks gone by. Essendon manned-up well and strong defensive pressure all over the ground made it difficult for the Hawks to move the ball into attack with any urgency. However, when it did enter their defensive fifty, Hawthorn delivered.
Dustin Fletcher was reliable under pressure while Patrick Ryder limited Lance Franklin’s influence early. However as the quarter ticked on, Franklin’s presence became more well-known.
Angus Monfries worked hard for the term, while Sam Lonergan also battled relentlessly to have a positive influence.
Heading into the second quarter, Essendon were chasing a six-point lead which they could have owned had they made the most of their first-quarter opportunities. The game had potential to turn very ugly very quickly as Hawthorn added multiple goals to the board with haste. However Essendon maintained their composure as they worked to stay within reach.
The sharp shooting of Scott Lucas in his 250th game was a highlight for the term, kicking three majors. Andrew Lovett and Jason Winderlich also showed glimpses of brilliance.
Some dubious umpiring decisions didn’t help Essendon’s battle, however they continued to fight.
Franklin battled to make his presence felt and had five goals to his name for the half. However, Essendon held their own in the shoot-out. A goal to Adam McPhee after the siren had the Bombers trailing a seven-point lead at the long break.
Monfries posted an early major to bring Essendon within two points, minutes into the third term. However, undisciplined play by Fletcher allowed Franklin to post his sixth and goal number seven came soon after.
Hawthorn’s growing dominance in front of goal did nothing for the confidence of Essendon’s backline, and the Hawks quickly capitalised on the Bombers’ self doubt. By the end of the third term, Hawthorn had stretched the lead to 34 points.
Nabbed holding the ball on multiple occasions, the Bombers momentum seemed to have dried up. They searched for answers as the Hawks continued to drill the ball into their offensive fifty and kick truly.
Poor decision making put team-mates under pressure as Essendon’s confidence unravelled. Goals to Tayte Pears and Kyle Reimers helped soften the blow but it was mainly one-way traffic as Hawthorn cruised to a 51-point victory.
Prescott believes Essendon’s spirited performance will give the side some confidence heading into next week’s clash with West Coast.
“Although we haven’t thought too much about it just yet, it will be a pretty good challenge,” Prescott said. “They play one-on-one footy as we will be.
“I think there are some positives we can take out of the Adelaide game and again tonight. The confidence and spirit around the club has been fantastic and I think it is just a matter of getting our best side out there.
