Having already survived a kick after the siren earlier this season in Round 1, the Essendon Bombers weren’t able to survive yet another close match; this time, the Bombers fell victim to the arch-rival Collingwood Magpies by a single point at the MCG on Wednesday. Jarryd Blair’s soccer goal with 90 seconds left proved to be the difference-maker for Collingwood, who defeated Essendon 11.14 (80) to 11.13 (79).
Brent Stanton kicked the go-ahead goal for the Bombers with two minutes left to put the Bombers out in front by five points; however, Blair’s soccer goal handed Essendon their first loss of the season. Blair’s goal actually had to go to video review, but the call was confirmed as replays showed that the ball did go off Blair’s foot before going through for a goal.
Essendon had their opportunities to kick the winning goal or at least a tying behind, but the Magpies held off the Bombers long enough for the final siren to sound.
Despite the loss, Essendon coach James Hird was proud of his team for battling hard to the finish. “I think we came up against a very good opposition … they’re a terrific side and they came to play today, and at certain times played a lot better than us,” said Hird.
