Eagles edge toward top four with win over Dons
WEST Coast has staked its claim for a vital top four finish after all but putting an end to Essendon’s final aspirations with an 15 point victory at the Gabba on Tuesday night.
The Eagles led at every change although the victory was not without its moments after West Coast squandered a 34-point lead midway through the second quarter as Essendon surged to within nine points in the third term.
The Bombers fought back with four straight goals, despite losing productive midfielder Andrew McGrath with an ankle injury before halftime, through the hard running of midfield duo Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel and half forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwati (four goals).
However, the Eagles steadied with two late goals in the third term, including a careerfirst for Tom Cole in his 52nd game.
Cole’s milestone was set up by lively West Coast forward Liam Ryan, who bagged four majors of his own including three from set shots inside 50m.
Ryan proved a handful for Essendon’s defence deep in attack and he was just as creative further afield.
The 23-year-old proved the perfect replacement for regular spearhead Josh Kennedy who was unavailable after suffering concussion last week.
Essendon captain Dyson Heppell, who was playing his first game since fracturing an ankle in late June and only his second for the season, helped grag the Bombers within 28 points and after goals from Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and James Stewart, which survived a contentious review, the margin was sliced to 16 points by the lone break.
But it wasn’t the best of nights for Joe Daniher, who bagged three goals in his return match last week, although he at least presented the Bombers with a formidable target and not just deep in attack, often presenting across centre-half back.
He finished with three behinds from six kicks and half a dozen marks