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Bombers explode a shock win over GWS derailing their flag aspirations-By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE
It wasn’t the year 2000, when the Bombers basked in the delight of premiership glory.
But the win today felt like another flag success as Essendon produced a spectacular performance to derail GWS ‘s finals aspirations with a shock win at Marvel Stadium.
To be honest, even the most fanatical Bombers supporter would have harboured doubt about beating a team that most recently staged a serious march for September glory by upsetting Geelong at GMHBA Stadium and toppling Fremantle in Perth.
So the Bombers with just a sparse crowd of disillusioned but defiant die- hard supporters at their home game at Marvel Stadium, defied the odds to take a one point lead at the the end of the first quarter, then stirred interest and a sense of foreboding when they led at half time 24-21 too.
Reality suggested the cellar dwellers could not maintain that momentum for four quarters. But they were in for a shock when a resurgent Dean Solomon restructured team went all the way to stun the Sydneysiders to pull off a stunning three point win.
Essendon have not played commited football for the last couple of years. But the change and accountability was most prevalent in a stunning turnaround.
From a personal perspective, I was privileged to see it unfold live, thanks to an invite from Michael Prins who named our dog after our beloved team many years ago.
Our seats were ideally located by the side of the Bombers race which made it even more enjoyable.
I went to the game convinced we we in for a shallacking, but content to see the full picture of what the Bombers, languishing at the bottom of the table, could come up with unfold.
The euphoric experience will live long on our memory as the Bombers turned it up with a spirited performance that has not been seen from them since their shock win over Melbourne in Gather Round in Adelaide.
A stunned crowd saw a GWS team in disarray kicking themselves out of a game they were meant to win with a unacceptable number of missed opportunities in front of goal.
GWS were further set back when skipper and match winner Toby Green was sidelined with a hamstring concern . But Essendon was also hit by star Nate Caddy leaving with an undiagnosed issue.
Former Essendon goal sneak Jake Stringer who has had a superb season so far, kicked seven possible shots at goal awry much to the amazement of everyone.
From a Bombers fan perspective, it was one for the memory that will be remembered for a lifetime from where they currently sit.
Thanks for the special invite and the photos and video Michael Prins. Much appreciated.
