So it proved again, as Gold - despite attempting to manage the return of several Essendon players on limited game-time- took the early ascendency, clung tenaciously to it through some difficult times in the second and third terms before running away to an impressive 32 point win in the last stanza.
In many ways, the day proved to be the most satisfying of the year for Essendon fans, and may well end up being viewed as a watershed afternoon due to an almost endless list of positive news. And it began early, as pick 19 from the 2011 National draft, Elliot Kavanagh, announced his arrival with clearly his best game of a fledgling career. Essendon have carefully managed the youngster’s game time after bad hamstring injuries restricted his Under-18 season, but he was given free rein on Saturday and stood out for cool decision making and excellent ball use. Indeed, he showed a willingness to contest and fight for the disputed ball that belied a very light frame, and was also able to provide linking work through the midfield. His day started brightly, with a smother, gather and lovely snapped goal from congestion to get Bendigo moving. Much to Essendon followers delight, he didn’t let up and was arguably the team’s most consistent performer across all four quarters, finishing with three crucial goals and a swag of classy moments.
Next up was Scott Gumbleton, the big centre-half forward who has been ruined by injury for long enough to meet the afore-mentioned Abba metaphor. Gumbleton only played the first half, but that was enough to put smiles on watchers faces as he lined up on a wing, moved extremely well and took several strong grabs. When he steamed out of a forward pocket late in the first term, took an excellent mark from a pinpoint pass by Anthony Long and slotted the goal from 40 meters, the sense of jubilation from both team-mates and spectators alike was palpable.
Speaking of Long, you can add him to the list of pleasing outcomes. That he found Gumbleton on the lead so neatly should perhaps come as no surprise. These two would know each other well, as both have spent interminable months on Essendon’s rehab list of the years. For Long, the sense of balance and clean ball handling he possesses was clear to see. This scribe has noted previously that Long could be a rare talent, but unfortunately has rarely managed to get on the field. On Saturday, he not only survived a full game, but improved as the afternoon wore on and provided – yet again- some tantalising glimpses of what could be. Should the injury-gods finally smile upon him, of course.
Like Long, fellow Essendon rookies Lachlan Dalgleish and Hal Hunter gave cause for optimism. Hunter played three quarters, mainly at half-back, in his second game of the year. Like Kavanagh, he too is making the jump in level after hamstring troubles as a junior, and competed with his already customary endeavour and intent. But it was Dalgleish who caught the eye, following Kavanagh’s lead and producing his best outing of the year. He seems to be developing nicely, is able to win disputed ball and started to use his pace to carry the ball and break the lines. One passage in which he broke away from half-back, gave the one-two with Kavanagh, and then seared the pass into the leading forward, may hint at future events.
When Gumbleton was moth-balled at half-time, Alex Browne took his place for the second half. Yet another returnee from an extended injury spell, he looked far better than one would have expected from a 20 year old who hasn’t played since last September. Some neat side-steps through traffic, good hands in close and a couple of his typical spearing passes gave the lie to any thoughts of rustiness. The extremely light-weight Jackson Merrett, who has flown somewhat under the radar this season, rounded off an excellent output from Essendon’s “babies” by yet again making some nice contributions. He is an enticing prospect, particularly in 2013 and beyond when some physical maturity should mix nicely with already good football instincts.
Fans could also draw satisfaction from the more seasoned players. Rookie Mark Baguley continued what is now an extremely consistent and productive season across half back, staking a strong claim for elevation to the AFL list should an opening eventuate. The enigmatic Kyle Reimers exploded back into form, working hard and doing the tough things required by James Hird, and reaping the benefits on the outside too. It was the Reimers that Bendigo watchers knew from 2011, and a welcome sight as he split the game open with some dash from the contests and excellent ball use. The pacy Travis Colyer also enjoyed a very good outing, breaking the lines with run and carry and was largely responsible for getting the Bendigo machine running again after Collingwood had ground it almost to a standstill during a heavy third quarter. Mark Mcveigh and Henry Slattery provided the heavy lifting around the ball that allowed the young tyro’s to strut their stuff, and their influence should not be underplayed in the overall result.
Not that it was entirely the Essendon show either. Collingwood took to the field with three imposing ruckmen, and it was left to Dean Putt to fight admirably against the tide. That none of the home team’s ruckmen were able to dominate the tapwork or around the ground was an outstanding effort from the Gold’s big man. Co-captain Trent Shinners provided Putt with some short-term relief, but Shinners also played a crucial role in the defensive half on the resting ruckman, where he gave away substantial size and height – especially against the mountainous Jarrod Witts- but did not concede a single goal to any of the Collingwood big-men. It was an excellent performance from the possible state-representative. At the other end, Justin Maddern snaffled 4 goals, could easily have had several more and generally ran amok with a potent mix of pace and mark ability. Special mention is also deserving of Nick Mee, who made his debut for Gold after earning a spot with good form at the Bendigo Pioneers. The under-age player not only refused to be intimidated by the physical size of VFL football, but made some nice contributions himself. In a good sign for Bendigo’s depth, arguably the most consistent performer of the year – Steven Stroobants – missed the game, Josh Freezer continues to play well in the back half and Co-captain Ben Duscher just keeps performing.
Bendigo’s third win of the season – interestingly all of them have occurred away from home – sees it precariously placed in 8th position. But the sheer number of unexpected results so far this year means they are only one win behind Geelong and Box Hill, have recorded a win over third-placed Casey and have a game in hand over several sides currently above them. The season is well and truly alive, with a likely log-jam looming for positions in the finals. If Kavanagh and his equally young cohorts can sustain the form from last weekend for an extended period, things might be about to get interesting for Gold fans. Oh, and a win at home wouldn’t go astray either.
