Last season’s Fremantle v Essendon clash in round 3 was arguably the game of the season. It had everything. Freo was a juggernaut in the first half, leading by seven goals at the main break, but the Bombers, under the watchful eye of Australia’s football media, who had descended upon Patersons Stadium in the wake of the supplement scandal, fought their way back. A seesawing final term reached its crescendo when Chris Mayne had the opportunity to win the game for Freo in the dying seconds, but his grubbered shot at goal bounced into the right goal post at the City End of the ground. Essendon rejoiced, and the team song inside the change rooms resembled that of a team that had just won the premiership, such was the emotion.
Last two minutes of last year's thriller
Bomber’s Bombers
If last year’s Bombers came to Perth in round 3 fuelled by the emotion of their senior coach James Hird’s supplement scandal situation, the 2014 Essendon side arrives a settled unit playing some fantastic football. Two-time Geelong premiership coach Mark Thompson has the red and black dishing up a very attractive brand thus far this season. The Bombers have unveiled some strong youngsters, such as Jackson Merrett, while the old heads are playing at the top of their game.
Stats show Bomber’s Bombers play like Bomber’s Cats
Essendon the form horse
If this were thoroughbred racing, the form line through Essendon would have it a short-priced fancy when it goes around Patersons Stadium on Sunday. The Bombers were desperately unlucky not to defeat Hawthorn at the MCG in round 2, just one week before the Hawks comprehensively dismantled Fremantle at the same venue. The reigning premiers had to dig deep to pip Mark Thompson’s men at the post on that occasion. But football is not a horse race, and Ross Lyon will be doing everything he can to have his side prepared to the minute for Sunday’s clash.
Lyon expects huge test from well-coached Bombers
Fremantle’s inclusions
A number of players put their hand up for senior selection this week with good performances for Peel Thunder. Expect Clancee Pearce to earn a recall after a 39-possession game, while Zac Clarke was also very good in the ruck. The two players performed admirably considering they were the travelling emergencies for Freo’s game against Hawthorn in Melbourne and had to catch a late night flight on Friday. Colin Sylvia was also strong in the midfield for the Thunder with two goals. Josh Simpson continued his strong form, as well. Defender Zac Dawson will slot straight into the backline after serving his one-match suspension.
Peel Thunder Match Report
