Bombers nearly upset by the AFL’s newest club.
Ironically it was nearly a David versus Goliath story with the roles reversed.
Essendon is still the only unbeaten side in the AFL after coming home late to secure a 39-point victory against the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Etihad Stadium.
The Giants led by as much as 28 mid-way through the second term and looked a chance of earning one of the biggest wins of their club’s short existence.
However, the pressure places on the young Sydney side by the Bombers proved too much as they pulled away to win comfortably 17.18 (120) to 12.9 (81).
Essendon coach James Hird said his side’s mind were on the job in the early going, as Giants leader Kevin Sheedy had his young squad fired up to play his former club.
“Our appetite for the game early on wasn;t where it should be. We needed to go back to strong defending,” Hird said.
“(We play) Geelong next week and they are playing better than anyone else in the competition at the momeny, they are the benchmark so it will be a big challenge.”
Bombers captain Stewart, which kicked four goals and earned 16 disposals, said it was testament to his side’s toughness they were able to climb back into the contest.
“We prepared well, but things didn’t go our way at the start but to our credit we turned it to our style of play,” he said.
Greater Western Sydney are still yet to earn a win six rounds into the AFL season and they have a tough five weeks in front of them.
In just over a month they take on some of the best sides in the competition with Adelaide, Hawthorn, West Coast, Carlton and Geelong standing in their way.
COMMENTS