Game Chat – Essendon v Brisbane

Written by Thommo on April 13 2019

Where and when: MCG, Saturday April 13, 2.10pm AEST

Last time they met: Gabba, round 12, 2018: Brisbane 8.14 (62) defeated by Essendon 12.12 (84)

Essendon controlled the contest from start to finish away from home in a win that came as the Bombers made a late (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt at making the finals. Jake Stringer kicked three goals from 22 disposals.

What it means for Essendon: The Bombers can square their season at 2-2 with a win. After a poor start to the season, Essendon was able to notch its first win of the year last week with a solid victory over Melbourne and can even things if they can get over the Lions.

What it means for Brisbane: The Lions are on fire, and a fourth in a row would put a finals appearance well and truly on the radar for Chris Fagan’s men. Spirits are high, the Lions are playing attracting and attractive footy, and a win at the MCG – after already claiming one at Marvel Stadium this season – would be a terrific first block of the year.

How Essendon wins: Essendon has to slow the Lions’ midfield, which has dominated in the early stages of this season. Will coach John Worsfold send someone to shut down Brisbane recruit Lachie Neale, who is in brilliant form and cutting up teams at the centre clearances? It’s worth considering.

How Brisbane wins: With Shaun McKernan out through injury, the Bombers are another key forward target down. Jake Stringer has played that role deep in attack at times, and booted four goals last week against Melbourne, so if the Lions can contain him they will go a long way to subduing Essendon’s scoring power.

The stat: The Lions haven’t met Essendon at the MCG in 10 years. The last time they played at the venue – round 19, 2009 – the clubs played out a draw.

The match-up: Zach Merrett v Dayne Zorko

The AFL Player Ratings ranks Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko as the seventh-best player in the competition. He could go head-to-head with Essendon’s best midfielder Zach Merrett (No.38) in a battle that could shape the contest.

It’s a big week for: Michael Hurley

The Bombers defender will likely face up against in-form Brisbane forward Eric Hipwood, who spearheaded his side to its win over Port Adelaide last week with a six-goal haul. Hurley, and his fellow defenders, will need to work as a group to contain the exciting youngster.

Big call: Cam Rayner to play a career-best game and boot five goals to lead his side to the win.

Thommo’s Tip:  Brisbane by 22 points

**Our Admin isn’t always online.  If you have access to the SuperCoach scores, the SCT Coaches would be very appreciative if you could pop them into the comments below. Thank you!**

2
0


Leave a comment / Scroll to bottom

13 thoughts on “Game Chat – Essendon v Brisbane”

  1. NO LATE CHANGES

    FINAL INTERCHANGES
    Essendon: Andrew McGrath, Devon Smith, Jordan Ridley, David Myers
    Brisbane: Allen Christensen, Stefan Martin, Alex Witherden, Rhys Mathieson

    2

    0
  2. What’s happened to Zorko he was a great player probably still is but his SC output has gone Kaput.

    1

    0
  3. Half Time:
    Essendon
    D. Shiel 80
    Z. Merrett 78
    M-Tipungwuti 77
    Zaharakis 72
    M. Brown 61
    O. Fantasia 53
    J. Stringer 47
    M. Baguley 47
    C. Hooker 40
    D. Parish 37
    M. Hurley 37
    J. Ridley 36
    Z. Clarke 36
    D. Myers 34
    C. McKenna 33
    A. Saad 32
    M. Redman 28
    P. Ambrose 27
    D. Heppell 25
    D. Smith 23
    A. McGrath 20
    Bellchambers 18

    Lions:
    L. Neale 78
    J. Berry 63
    S. Martin 57
    McCluggage 49
    Witherden 48
    D. Gardiner 44
    H. Andrews 42
    Robertson 39
    Mathieson 37
    D. Rich 34
    M. Robinson 30
    J. Walker 30
    L. Hodge 30
    L. McCarthy 29
    Christensen 27
    D. Zorko 23
    D. McStay 22
    McInerney 22
    C. Cameron 17
    J. Lyons 17
    E. Hipwood 8
    C. Rayner 8

    2

    0
  4. Made a massive decision to trade in Zerrett over Macrae for Fyfe. Let’s hope this isn’t a one off game/half

    5

    0

Leave a Reply to Natopotato88 Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *