Bombers go in for the kill as they signal their intent this AFL season.
The Essendon Bombers have solidified their place in the AFL top four with an impressive 43-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Stadium.
Brownlow Medal winner Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard were outstanding for the Bombers as they helped seal the comfortable win, 17.13 (115) to 11.6 (72).
Goddard was a short-list candidate for three Brownlow points after racking up an impressive 38 possession to go with a goal, and Watson earned 31 possessions as four Essendon players cracked the magical 30 mark.
The Suns were competitive for much of the game but major injuries to Tom Lynch and Michael Rischitelli, as well as minor injuries to several other players, left Guy McKenna’s men down on man power.
Early in the third quarter the Suns were within two goals of the Bombers and looked like making a run at the biggest upset in their short history, but it was not to be.
In further good signs for James Hird and his men, boom father-and-son recruit Joe Daniher kicked his first AFL goal, and finished the night with three.
Ablett burnt off tagger Heath Hocking to pick up 36 touches and two goals while young gun Jaeger O’Meara produced 30 possessions and two goals of his own.
Essendon coach Hird said his side knew Gold Coast were not going to lie down despite their injury toll.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game and that we would be tested. Our boys had to get out there and play good football,” Hird said.
“I think Essendon supporters got a glimpse of the future of the club tonight with Joe (Daniher).
“The players will have some time away from the club this week with the bye which is well deserved.
“We’ll have a look at the side over the break, ahead of the huge game coming up against West Coast over there.”
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