The Essendon Bombers have kept their AFL top-eight hopes alive by scoring an upset two-point victory over Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
After losing three games by nine points or less this season, the Bombers showed they had the mettle to close out a tight contest to win 8.14 (62) to 7.18 (60). Played in greasy conditions, the game wasn’t much of a spectacle for the 46,000 fans in attendance, but there was no doubting the commitment of both teams.
Following Hawthorn‘s loss to North Melbourne on Friday night, Port Adelaide could have secured top spot on the ladder with a win. But with the ball difficult to handle, the Power couldn’t unleash their trademark run in the middle corridor. Credit, however, also had to go to the Bombers, whose defensive pressure didn’t relent until the final siren.
Bombers midfielder David Zaharakis, who finished with 30 disposals, said the victory was a massive confidence-booster for his team. “It’s a great win,” he told Channel Seven. “We’ve lost close games this year. It’s good to come over here (and win). Port are a good side and have been a top side all year. It’s great to get a win. The boys love it.”
The Bombers led by 16 points at the start of the last quarter, but that margin was reduced to 10 within seconds of the restart after Jay Schulz goaled from a penalty. Chad Wingard, Justin Westhoff and Robbie Gray all missed opportunities for the home team in the next five minutes before captain Travis Boak converted his chance to move the Power within two of the visitors.
All the momentum was with Port Adelaide, but the cool head of Brendon Goddard helped the Bombers manufacture a goal through Dyson Heppell to restore the margin to eight. The last three minutes had the frenetic feel of a semi-final, both teams playing like their season survival was at stake.
Kane Mitchell kicked a goal to again reduce the margin to two for the Power, but it would prove to be their last score of the match. The Bombers threw everyone back and were able to defy Port Adelaide to register a potentially season-defining win.
