Dons power home to leave Crows stunned

AMBROSE GOES A BIT OVER THE TOP AS ESSENDON PREVAILS IN ADELAIDE

A FAST-FINISHING Essendon has overwhelmed Adelaide by 21 points to gain precious breathing space inside the AFL’s top eight.

The Bombers came from 30 points down in the second quarter to post a spirited victory at Adelaide Oval last night. Essendon climbs to sixth on the ladder ahead of weekend games — and it’s now two wins ahead of ninth spot.

The Bombers appeared dusted late in the second stanza when Crow Josh Jenkins booted his fourth goal to give the home side a 30-point buffer. But the visitors produced a stunning second half, scoring 10 goals to three to leave the Crows clinging to eighth spot.

After scores were level at three-quarter time, the lead changed hands four times in a gripping finale before the Bombers stormed to victory with four goals in the last seven minutes.

Essendon’s Mitch Brown was instrumental in the revival, booting four second-half majors, as teammates Zach Merrett (31 disposals), David Zaharakis (25 touches) and Dylan Shiel (23 possessions) took midfield control.

Essendon’s Connor McKenna (24 disposals) and Mason Redman (25 possessions) were also influential.

Adelaide’s Jenkins was his side’s dominant forward while Brodie Smith was a standout with three goals among his 31 disposals.

Onballer Brad Crouch (35 touches) and his brother Matt (33 disposals) were prominent and Reilly O’Brien ruled the rucks with 39 hitouts and 29 possessions. Adelaide controlled the opening quarter and, with Tom Lynch dangerous on return from a monthlong calf injury, led 2.5 to 1.2 at quarter-time.

Essendon’s mid-season draftee Will Snelling kicked a goal in the second quarter in his second AFL game — his debut was for Port Adelaide way back in 2016.

That goal reduced Essendon’s deficit to two points but the Crows rapidly rallied with four goals within 10 minutes to create a 30-point break.

Crow Jenkins booted three majors in the quarter, and four in the half, but Essendon scored two late goals to be 19 points down at halftime.

The Bombers gained serious traction in the third term, recording 18 inside 50s to Adelaide’s five and kicking four goals to one — their last from Andrew McGrath levelled the scores at the last change.

Twice in the last term the Crows took a lead before Essendon’s stunning late scoring spree delivered a 10th win of the season.

ESSENDON’S Patrick Ambrose went up and over local hero Rory Sloane at the Adelaide Oval last night, and it was the Bombers who ruled on the scoreboard, winning by 21 points in a thriller. Essendon is now right on target to reach the finals after its win, in which it fought back after trailing by 19 points at halftime.