Essendon’s win on Friday night was built on the back of a big turnaround in the third quarter. Here’s a statistical breakdown of how the Bombers managed to overcome one of the lowest scoring halves of football inclub history.

Contested possessions

Half-time: Freo 86-83 – Three-quarter-time: Ess 134-126

Swing: Ess +11


Disposals

Half-time: Freo 176-161 – Three-quarter-time: Ess 251-247

Swing: Ess +19


Contested possessions

Half-time: Freo 86-83 – Three-quarter-time: Ess 134-126

Swing: Ess +11


Uncontested possessions

Half-time: Freo 89-71 – Three-quarter-time: Freo 116-108

Swing: Ess +10



Handball receives

Half-time: Freo 40-38 – Three-quarter-time: Ess 64-55

Swing: Ess +11



Contested possessions

Half-time: Freo 86-83 – Three-quarter-time: Ess 134-126

Swing: Ess +11



Player stats

Well held for two quarters, the stars of Essendon’s midfield were far more damaging in the second half.

Jobe Watson: First half – 7 disposals, 3 contested; Full-time – 21 disposals, 11 contested

Dyson Heppell: First half – 5 disposals, 4 contested; Full-time – 15 disposals, 8 contested, 1 goal

Brendon Goddard: First half – 6 disposals, 6 contested; Full-time – 26 disposals, 13 contested