ANOTHER disappointing third quarter proved Melbourne’s downfall as the Demons suffered a 48-point loss to Essendon at Docklands on Friday night.

After the Demons had worked hard to get themselves back into the contest in the second term, the Bombers blew Dean Bailey’s side away in the third term before running out convincing winners, 19.17 (131) to 13.5 (83).

Essendon booted 7.6 to 1.0 during the third-quarter blitz, ending any hopes Melbourne had of causing a boilover.

The loss was doubly depressing for the Demons. Not only had they been in the match at the midway point – fighting back to trail by 16 points – but they had been hell-bent on redeeming themselves following their Queen’s Birthday let-down against Collingwood.

While Melbourne didn’t earn the four points, there were some highlights for Bailey’s team.

Liam Jurrah, the indigenous youngster from the remote Central Australian township of Yuendumu, impressed in his senior debut. He thrilled the crowd with his first AFL goal while Jack Watts, in his second senior outing, also graced the scoresheet for the first time with two majors.

The Demons were well served by stalwarts Brad Green (27 disposals) – whose will to win was typified by one courageous effort in the third quarter – and Cameron Bruce (27 touches).

Essendon had winners on most lines. It dominated the contested-possession count, while its defence was beautifully led by veteran Dustin Fletcher, who was a standout in his return from a broken leg.

Jobe Watson (28 disposals and 10 contested possessions) and former Cat Brent Prismall (26 touches, nine contested) were also instrumental in Essendon’s impressive win.

The Bombers dominated possession in the opening minutes of the game, setting up an early lead which they would never relinquish.

It looked as though it might be a long night for Melbourne as Essendon booted the game’s first three goals – all courtesy of free kicks.

Watts and Jurrah started on the bench but both found themselves on the ground by the six-minute mark, although getting ball down to the Dees’ forward half was somewhat of a problem.

Bruce, with some help from fellow midfield gun Green, eventually showed the way mid-way through the first term to get Melbourne on the board and kickstart their side.

Matthew Lloyd was proving a handful at the other end, however, booting three first-quarter goals as Essendon looked stronger around the contest.

Jack Grimes ran forward late in the term to boot his first career goal to cut the deficit to just two kicks, however Aaron Davey was stranded on the goal line late in the term and Lloyd capatalised on his errant handball.

The Bombers led by 19 points at the first break however Brad Miller soon helped change things.

The two teams traded goals with Miller booting two, and when he used his body to allow Watts to mark uncontested and kick truly – sparking loud cheers from the Melbourne faithful – it seemed to lift the red and blues.

Russell Robertson goaled from a free kick but the best was shortly to come.

Jurrah, with his family watching in the stands, flew high for a mark in goal square and while he couldn’t snaffle his spectacular attempt, his finish while falling to ground brought the loudest cheer of the night.

The margin was suddenly just four points.

The Bombers responded with two late goals but the Demons, with their midfield starting to lift, were still a chance.

But Essendon was quick to kill off any thoughts of an upset, as they went bang, bang, bang straight after the break to establish a six-goal lead.

It was 58 points by the last change, and while the Demons did win back some respect in the final term it was a matter of too little, too late.

Next week Melbourne faces a stiff assignment when it travels to the Gabba to take on the Brisbane Lions. Essendon hosts Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.

Essendon 6.3 10.7 17.13 19.17 (131)
Melbourne 3.2 8.3 9.3 13.5 (83)

GOALS
Essendon: Lloyd 3, Lucas 3, Davey 2, Lonergan 2, McVeigh 2, Monfries 2, Skipworth 2, Hooker Watson Winderlich
Melbourne: Bate 2, Miller 2, Robertson 2, Watts 2, Bruce, Grimes, Jetta, Jurrah, Martin

BEST
Essendon: Fletcher, Watson, Prismall, Lucas, Monfries, Welsh
Melbourne: Bruce, Green, Moloney, Johnson, McLean

INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
Melbourne: Nil

Reports: McVeigh (Ess) reported by umpire McLaren for striking Rivers (Melb) in the third quarter

Umpires: James, McLaren, Ryan
Official crowd: 45,740 at Docklands

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.