Pathetic Bombers mauled by Dogs

FORGET the query on whether Essendon’s brand can stand up to the searing heat of September, the Bombers’ current pressure rating is as frigid as the arctic snap that froze the state this weekend.

What John Worsfold’s team dished up at Marvel Stadium last night was nothing short of embarrassing, and it might yet have serious long-term ramifications.

Was it a ‘coach killer’? Only time will tell, but it might delivered a body blow to the club’s aspirations of playing finals.

After kicking the first goal of the game 23 seconds into the game, the Bombers not only gave up the next 21 goals (yes, that’s not a misprint) in what was one of the most lamentable performances of Worsfold’s tenure.

Essendon (4.9.33) has been struck down with injuries to key players — as other clubs have — but manpower wasn’t the biggest issue in their 104point mauling from the Western Bulldogs (21.11.137).

Last night’s debacle was much more about a lack of work ethic, desire and accountability.

As Leigh Montagna said on Triple M as the avalanche of Bulldogs goals rolled on. “This is a team that is meant to play finals … this isn’t the Gold Coast Suns. The blowtorch will definitely be on Essendon.”

His partner on air, Nathan Brown, was just as brutal: “If you were a Bombers’ supporter, I reckon it would drive you to drink.”

With games against Fremantle in Perth and Collingwood at the MCG to come, the Bombers could conceivably close out the season with four losses in a row.

The Bulldogs are now only one game behind Essendon — with far superior percentage — with matches to come against Greater Western Sydney (in Sydney) and Adelaide (in Ballarat).

The Bulldogs had four players kick three goals apiece — Bailey Dale, Josh Schache, Tory Dickson and Toby McLean.

Josh Dunkley (39) and Jack Macrae (38) had 77 possessions between them.