Sorry Blues crushed by Bombers
Essendon 182 defeated Carlton 83
Kevin Sheedy has always enjoyed a win over Denis Pagan, but this one was especially special for the Essendon
coach as his side condemned Carlton to the bottom of the ladder with a 99-point demolition at the MCG today.
Matthew Lloyd booted seven and Mark Johnson kicked six in what was nothing short of a complete
obliteration, despite the atrocious conditions that greeted players and spectators alike.
It was Essendon’s biggest ever score against their arch-rivals, a feat made all the more amazing after
Carlton raced out of the blocks to post a 19-point lead in the first term. However, by half time, Essendon had
kicked 18 goals and led by 70 points.
Pagan again punctuated the humiliation by sending star forward Brendan Fevola to play in defence, where he
was carved up by the rampaging Lloyd on a day where conditions were less than conducive to the key position
players.
For the Bombers, the best players came from all over the park and from all age groups – the veterans of
Lloyd, Scott Lucas, James Hird, Mark Johnson and Jason Johnson were matched by the efforts of the next
generation with Ricky Dyson, Bret Stanton and David Hille all playing their part.
Conversely, Carlton had little to show except for the form of Digby Morrell, who presented well all
afternoon, booting three goals. Scott Camporeale and Heath Scotland also battled on, but positives were
almost impossible to draw for the losers.
Essendon’s ability to score with ruthless efficiency had the faithful excited and frustrated in equal
measure; while this performance gave fans a glimpse of the Bombers’ potential, it left them wondering why
they haven’t performed with anywhere near the same vigour and passion throughout the season.
Carlton were spiritless, spineless and lacking in leadership. They showed nothing to give their supporters
any enthusiasm, and the darkness that has descended upon Optus Oval looks unlikely to leave anytime soon.
Next week, the Bombers get the chance to wreck Melbourne’s finals hopes at the MCG on Sunday, while Carlton
face the Kangaroos at the Telstra Dome to finish off what has been a most forgettable year.
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Qtr Time |
Half Time |
3 Qtr Time |
Final |
| Essendon |
9. 4 (58) |
18. 6 (114) |
23.10 (148) |
28.14 (182) |
| Carlton |
3. 2 (20) |
6. 8 ( 44) |
8.12 ( 60) |
11.17 ( 83) |
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Essendon:
Goals: - M.Lloyd 7, M.Johnson 6, R.Dyson 3, J.Hird 3, J.Johnson 2, J.Watson, A.Lovett, B.Stanton, J.Nash, P.Thomas, S.Lucas, A.Monfries.
Best: - M.Lloyd, M.Johnson, J.Hird, J.Johnson, S.Lucas, R.Dyson, B.Stanton, D.Hille.
Carlton:
Goals: - D.Morrell 3, M.Lappin 2, J.Waite 2, B.Fisher, L.Whitnall, S.Camporeale, A.Carrazzo.
Best: - S.Camporeale, L.Whitnall, H.Scotland, D.Morrell.
Injuries - Essendon: nil. Carlton: nil.
Umpires - C.Donlon, D.Margetts, J.Quigley.
@ the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. Crowd: 37,481.
Votes - Player of the Year:
3 - Mark Johnson (Ess), 2 - Matthew Lloyd (Ess), 1 - James Hird (Ess).
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