Dreamtime on the ‘G has delivered an instant classic in 2023.
With the final kick of the contest Sam Durham kicked the goal that handed Essendon a one-point lead with only seven seconds left on the clock.
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The Bombers entered the final quarter behind by 12 points against Richmond who looked set to salute, but Essendon weren’t to be denied.
Goals to Durham and Jake Stringer introduced the competition again to inside a purpose earlier than Tigers teen Judson Clarke pounced on a turnover to increase the margin again out to 2 objectives.
But that solely fueled the Bombers as they kicked the ultimate two objectives of the sport with Jye Menzie slotting one earlier than Durham marked on the high of the sq. with 30 seconds to go.
The win makes it the primary time the Bombers have toppled the Tigers since again in 2014, snapping a streak of 13-straight defeats.
Tigers teen Rhyan Mansell will probably be on the lookout for a spot to cover after a set shot within the dying levels went pear-shaped.
Mansell lined up 35m out on a really slight angle however leant again on his kick as he missed every part because the kick sailed out on the complete to go away the margin at 5 factors.
A degree would have seen the competition doubtlessly finish in a draw.
Bombers skipper Zach Merrett produced a stellar particular person show to complete the competition with 39 disposals, seven tackles, 5 clearances and 679 metres gained. His show noticed him awared the Yiooken Trophy.
But it was his run-down chase on Dustin Martin within the dying levels that resulted within the essential turnover that in the end noticed the Bombers go the size of the sphere for Durham’s match-winning purpose.
The loss highlights an unpleasant statistic for the Tigers, making it 9 video games with no win in matches determined by a purpose or much less for the reason that begin of 2022.
Essendon stay simply outdoors the highest eight on share whereas the Tigers are left languishing in 14th on the ladder six factors away from eighth positioned Adelaide.
Richmond star Shai Bolton produced a second of magic within the third quarter when he kicked a purpose of the 12 months contender.
Buried deep contained in the pocket, Bolton collected the footy and within the blink of an eye fixed threw it on his boot.
The ball completely bounced throughout the pristine MCG turf because it arched finish on finish earlier than rolling by way of the center of the large sticks.
“Bolton slides through a miracle. He had no right to do that,” Luke Darcy stated on Channel 7’s protection.
It was his second straight purpose within the contest however was comfortably the extra absurd and skilful of the 2 he had slotted.
Source: www.news.com.au
