World News Bombers claim top-eight scalp by stunning Magpies Blog

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Essendon gave their top-four ambitions a big boost with an impressive 12-point win over struggling reigning leaders Collingwood at the MCG.

After going into Friday night’s AFL match winless against a current top eight team this season, the Bombers recovered from a slow start to win 13.14 (92) to 12.8 (80).

Collingwood went on a killing spree in the first quarter, scoring five goals to two, including three in as many minutes from a red-hot Jack Crisp.

But the Magpies only managed three more in the next two quarters as Essendon surged forward and secured the game-winning lead.

At the last change, the Bombers led by 17 points – a deficit the Magpies traditionally like to make up, often against Essendon.

Quick goals from Matt Guelfi and Jye Caldwell extended Essendon’s lead to 31 points, while Collingwood seemed to have no chance of a comeback.

The Magpies managed to give Essendon a bit of a scare after scoring quickly through Harvey Harrison and Brody Mihocek.

But the Bombers were able to finish the game, making it the second game in a row in which the Magpies were unable to overrun their opponents in the final quarter, following their loss to Gold Coast last Saturday.

Captain Zach Merrett (30 possessions, one goal) and fellow midfielder Caldwell (30 and one) led from the front, while ruckman Sam Draper responded strongly after a weak first quarter.

Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos was at his best with 31 possessions and 12 clearances, while Essendon only paid attention to the Brownlow Medal favourite during stoppages and refused to hit hard.

The result was revenge of sorts for Essendon, who drew with Collingwood on Anzac Day and have suffered some heartbreaking last-minute defeats to the Magpies over the past three seasons.

After two decades of failure, Essendon fans can dream of ending their 20-year drought without a finals victory in September.

The Bombers have not finished in the top four at the end of a home-and-away season since 2001 and have lost six elimination finals since 2009.

Collingwood striker Mihocek had to leave the field in the last quarter due to a shoulder injury.

Depending on further results, the Magpies could fall out of the top eight by the end of the round, ahead of a crucial clash with Geelong next Friday night.

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