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The Bombers have escaped an ugly arm-wrestle by a single straight kick at the MCG. The premiers looked home in the grand final rematch, but Melbourne kicked the last three goals of the game to cut a 24-point deficit to six. James Hird stood out for the Dons, kicking four goals.
The Essendon side of 2000 was arguably one of the best the game has seen and never more evident was that than on Grand Final day. The Bombers scored a comprehensive victory over Melbourne on that occasion. But it will be a very different side that takes the field against the Demons this Sunday. Essendon has played just seven AFL matches since Grand Final day. Ironically that matches the number of Essendon players who will be missing from the Grand Final side this weekend.
Read nowAngus Clarke signs two-year contract extension.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians on whose Country we are based. We acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders, past and present. We extend that acknowledgement and respect to all First Nations peoples throughout Australia.
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