Round 21 1995, Essendon vs. Brisbane

Game Statistics

ESSENDON.........2.3  5.10 9.11 12.12 (84)
BRISBANE.........8.3 11.5 14.10 17.14 (116)

Goals:

ESSENDON: Hird, Long 3, Salmon 2, Alessio, Fletcher, Young, Misiti 1.
BRISBANE: Voss, McRae, Ashcroft, Merrett, Hart, White, Scott 2, Champion, Lappin, Bews 1.

Crowd:

(unavailable yet) at the GABBA

Comment:

Have you ever seen a bear that fired-up? I don't think that I have. In that blistering first quarter, we didn't even get a chance to show our prowess. Those bears had definitely been on the red cordial all day, the energy they had in the first quarter was amazing. And then that was it, the game was all over at quarter time. Unfortunately each time the Dons came back after being shell-shocked early, the Bears were equal to the challenge. We actually won the rest of the game (on the scoreboard and in play), but due to the poor start we couldn't catch them.

In the last quarter I really thought that we were going to steal the game. When we got within 11 points, and the momentum was going our way, the game was really up for grabs. But then Brisbane put on the brakes. They brought the game to a standstill, literally. Then once the emotion that Essendon feeds on so well was all gone, Brisbane kicked a few more goals just to finish it off. In the end it was a very disappointing loss.

The main difference I could cite between the two teams had nothing to do with skill, but pressure. The pressure applied by Brisbane, especially early, was overwhelming. They ran in twos, tackled in threes, and marked in fours. This sort of aggression at the ball was something Essendon just couldn't match. Brisbane were bouyed by the results on the weekend, which gave them a chance of making the finals. We were fighting for second spot on the ladder. I also believe the crowd does help Brisbane up there. They really enjoy their football, and being the first game under lights (with the obligatory fireworks and sky-divers), the energy in the crowd fed the players on the field. Simply, we were largely the victim of circumstance. However, that isn't to say that we played poorly at certain stages in the game. I'm saying that if we look at the attitude that Brisbane took into that game, and applied it ourselves, then we would give the flag a good shake next month.

Now to our better players for the game. It was a game where, due to Brisbane's dominance, we didn't really have many four quarter players. One player that was very steady was Gary O'Donnell. He was one player who helped the Dons to regain composure at times of crisis. When most players were under pressure by at least two opposition players, Gary was able to find space for a useful possession. Another player continuing his good form is Gavin Wanganeen. While he drifted in and out at times, he was definitely one of our better players for the game. James Hird played well, and is still the main focal point on the forward line. He kicked three goals, one from about sixty metres running through the centre of the ground. His skills and ferocity at the ball is something that all players should look at. Other players were good at times, like Stephen Alessio in the last quarter. He was beaten early in the game, and was a little out of form, but in the last quarter he was superb. He took numerous marks in the defensive goal square, and probably saved three or four goals single-handedly.

Perhaps one of the most revealing facts about the game was that two of our most reliable and consisten players of the last two months or so, namely Peter Somerville and Sean Denham were unable to really stamp their authority on the game. In past weeks our success has come largely out of the centre square, due largely to these players. And at a small ground like the Gabba, the centre breaks are so vital. This is where the Bears got on top in the first quarter, and really didn't allow the free running game of Essendon to get going. Whilst it is very disappointing to lose, I don't think this loss is as demoralising as some. With Geelong also losing we've still got a chance for second spot, and next week we must take that opportunity and use it to our advantage.

PS I must apoligise for the round 21 teams not being posted here. I've been away since last Wednesday, and haven't had access to my computer. I hope it didn't inconvenience anyone.
- Brad

Votes:

 Mr Reliable kept some composure for the Dons.

3 - Gary O'Donnell
One of the most consistent players for Essendon. He found some rare space for Essendon playing all over the ground, and was a good player in a disappointing loss.

2 - Gavin Wanganeen
Continues his great form, although he was a bit more patchy in this game. But he still managed to create some classy play from nothing, and was one of the players who got the Dons back into the game.

1 - James Hird
A key player up forward, Jimmy really had to work during the game. He came out with three goals in a good individual effort.

The Statistics for Round 21:


Possessions    Kicks          Handballs      Marks
O'DONNELL   26 O'DONNELL   17 YOUNG       10 ALESSIO      9
HARVEY      22 HARVEY      17 O'DONNELL    9 SYMONS       8
HIRD        21 FLETCHER    16 HARDWICK     8 HIRD         8
FLETCHER    21 LONG        15 SYMONS       8 LONG         7
LONG        20 MISITI      15 MERCURI      8 MERCURI      6
HARDWICK    20 HIRD        14 THOMPSON     7 MISITI       5
THOMPSON    19 THOMPSON    12 MORGAN       7 O'DONNELL    5
SYMONS      19 HARDWICK    12 HIRD         7 HARVEY       5
MISITI      18 SYMONS      11 LONG         5 SALMON       5
YOUNG       18 CALTHORPE   11 HARVEY       5 YOUNG        5

Standing after Round 21:

What a precarious postion we are in now. We are only 0.29% ahead of Geelong, and we really must win next week to have a chance to stay in that spot. We could finish as low as fifth if Geelong, Richmond and the Eagles all win their games (and some by big margins). Most likely, however, is a second or third finish. By Brisbane winning, they have a chance for the eight now, and it is a good chance, provided they beat Melbourne next week (almost a forgone conclusion), and Sydney beats Collingwood (which will be an interesting game). The only certainties are Carlton on top, Footscray in seventh, and Fitzroy with the wooden spoon. The ladder is as follows:

---------------P--W--L-D--For-Agst---%--Pts
Carlton.......21 19  2 0 2249 1644 136.80 76
Essendon......21 14  5 2 2397 1823 131.49 60
Geelong.......21 15  6 0 2410 1837 131.19 60
Richmond......21 14  6 1 1973 1857 106.25 58
West Coast....21 13  8 0 1968 1634 120.44 52
Nth Melb......21 13  8 0 2107 1912 110.20 52
Footscray.....21 11  9 1 1801 1922  93.70 46
Melbourne.....21  9 12 0 1849 1815 101.87 36
Collingwood...21  8 11 2 1939 1984  97.73 36
Brisbane......21  9 12 0 1994 2118  94.15 36
Adelaide......21  9 12 0 1663 2061  80.69 36
Fremantle.....21  8 13 0 1993 2098  95.00 32
Sydney........21  7 14 0 2187 2195  99.64 28
Hawthorn......21  7 14 0 1755 1827  96.06 28
St. Kilda.....21  7 14 0 1682 2180  77.16 28
Fitzroy.......21  2 19 0 1516 2576  58.85  8

Next Week:

What a blockbuster, Carlton v. Essendon in the last round of the year. This is almost a must win for us, if we want an automatic double chance. Carlton haven't really got much to play for - top spot is theirs already, but the Dons should be fired up to get second spot. There should be a huge crowd there, and I think we will put up a much better performance than against Brisbane. The other bad news from the game was Salmon's calf injury. He just comes back from injury to sustain another one - what bad luck! Hopefully it won't be too bad, and he will be right for the finals.
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