It will take a last-quarter miracle from Melbourne to stop Essendon winning the 2000 Premiership, with the Bombers leading by a commanding 57 points at three-quarter-time. We finally found the radar in the third term, kicking 6.1 to Melbourne's 3.3, to ease any pressure building from the team's early profligacy in front of goal. Paul Barnard and Matthew Lloyd each have three goals. The third was a see-sawing affair, with the teams trading goals and behinds until a late burst from the Bombers produced goals to Bewick and Lloyd that all but sealed the game. It might have been more, too, but for some over-use of the ball. Still, 30 more minutes and we should all be celebrating. 3/4 time scores: Ess 16.17.113 Melb 8.8.56.