Bombers Pussywhipped

Just 6 days ago Bomber fans were on top of the world after their first victory over the Kangaroos in 7 years to begin the 2008 AFL Season, but on Sunday afternoon against the reigning AFL Premier Geelong, it all came to a crashing halt as the Bombers were given a ‘football lesson’ and handed a 99 point thumping at the Phone Dome.

The Cats took early control of the game taking a 20-point lead into the quarter-time break with a four goal to one opening term, but then it all went wrong for the Bombers as the reigning AFL Premier turned on a five goal in nine minute burst to crush the young Bombers and end virtually end the game as a contest.

The Cats led by 51 points at halftime and after a six goal to one third term, they were running rings around the Bombers as the margin blew out to 81 at the final change as the stands began to empty of the Bomber fans who had high expectations going into the match but now knew how far off the mark their team really was.

The Bombers did not score a goal from 18 minutes into the second term until 23 minutes into the third, while every Essendon mistake was costly and capitalised on by the hungry Cats.

Five goals to two the Cats way in the final term saw the margin teeter on breaking into triple digits, but ended at 99 as the final siren blew to put the Bombers out of their misery.

Ricky Dyson finished with a career high 29 possession match to be the leading ball winner for the Bombers while Brent Stanton (26 possessions), Jason Johnson and Jay Nash (24 possessions) also were amongst the Bomber ‘stat kings’.

Young defender Patrick Ryder however was the standout player for the Bombers, blanketing All-Australian Geelong forward Cameron Mooney.

“I think Paddy was our best player today by a street,” Essendon assistant coach Scott Camporeale said after the game. “He really set an example for our guys with they way he was able to hold an experienced player like Cam Mooney.”

Essendon now have to regroup for next Saturday night’s AFL Round 3 clash against arch-rival Carlton with the Blues looking to avoid equalling their worst every losing streak in their club history and record the first win for new coach Brett Ratten.

Posted 30 March 08 in News Match Review