After a dismal opening term, Essendon have been more competitive in the second quarter.
They trail by 26 points but at least won that second term.
They booted the first three goals after quarter-time, two of them to Peter Wright, but coughed up a goal to Brisbane’s Logan Morris in the final minute before half-time.
Nic Martin celebrates his goal.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
It was a particularly bitter blow because moments earlier Essendon’s Jade Gresham had marked 40m from goal and instead of going back to take the kick, he played on and his rushed shot on goal travelled low and was marked in the goal square by Brisbane’s Jaspa Fletcher.
Fletcher was able to move the ball quickly out of defence in a passage of play that lead to the Morris goal.
Despite the mini-fightback, the game has definitely fallen in Brisbane’s favour. They lead the possession count 213 to 159. Jarrod Berry (18 disposals) and Hugh McCluggage (17 disposals) have been the prime movers through the midfield.
The Lions have seven individual goal kickers.
For the Bombers, Nic Martin has impressed with 17 disposals and fine field kicking, while forward Nate Caddy has shown flashes of brilliance, flying for an impressive high mark in that second term as well as taking a bouncing run down the wing.
The Bombers have not activated their sub, but have had injury concerns. Sam Durham hobbled off with an ankle injury and Jade Gresham needed treatment for what looked like a thigh issue.
Both returned to the field in the second term with restricted movement.
HT: Lions 7.9 (51) lead Bombers 4.1 (25)
