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An undermanned Bombers outfit battled bravely at Football Park tonight, but ultimately bowed out of the finals race after a 24-point defeat by Port Adelaide. Neither Matthew Lloyd nor Mark Mercuri played, and we lost Mark Bolton early with a torn hamstring. Somehow we still fought and scrapped to lead by two goals at half-time, but were overrun in the second half, despite fighting every inch of the way.
Essendon players were greeted with cloudless skies and a warm 25 degrees when they arrived in Adelaide at noon today for their semi-final showdown with Port Adelaide. But the Bombers are in anything but holiday mode with Kevin Sheedy telling a packed press conference his side was switched on and ready to tackle a Port Adelaide side that suddenly finds itself under enormous pressure. Sheedy pinpointed the midfield and the key to tonight's match.
Read nowWe 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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