A PACKED Windy Hill has witnessed an Essendon's win over Melbourne by 65 points in perfect spring conditions at the Bombers’ spiritual home.
It was a four-quarter performance by the Bombers, who kept the season seven premiers scoreless after the first quarter, leading to the Bombers' biggest ever victory.
The Bombers were on a mission from the first bounce, winning clearances and contested possession through stars Maddy Prespakis (32 disposals, seven clearances) and Step Cain (19 disposals, six tackles), providing opportunities for their forwards.
The Demons had their forward opportunities, however missed targets with their inside-50 entries, allowing the Bombers' defenders to intercept and rebound from their defensive 50.
Melbourne eventually got its breakthrough - and only - goal when an Eliza McNamara kick to the hot-spot in front of goal allowed Ryleigh Wotherspoon to get on the end of the contest and kick her first ever AFLW major.
Shortly after, McNamara, who has been in outstanding form for the Demons so far this season, copped an errant Kodi Jacques elbow to her nose, forcing her to leave the ground with the blood rule. The winger returned to the game late in the second term with heavy strapping to her nose and it was later confirmed by the club that she had a nose fracture.
The injury concerns continued for the Demons when a crunching Paige Scott chase-down tackle saw Shelley Heath leave the ground carrying her left shoulder. Heath was ruled out for the match following the incident.
Melbourne’s injury woes continue
Just when you think it couldn’t get worse on the injury front for the Demons, you can add Shelley Heath to the mix. The Demons are already missing Eden Zanker (knee), Tayla Harris (shoulder), Lauren Pearce (wrist) and Olivia Purcell (face). Heath didn’t return to the ground with what looks like a serious shoulder injury.
Grand final eve footy a winner
A huge crowd turned out to Windy Hill for Grand Final eve footy. With the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky, Bombers fans flocked to the Reynolds Stand, creating an excellent atmosphere for the week five match. The noisy Bombers crowd no doubt lifted their side today and helped them get over the line.
Up next
The Bombers enter their midweek footy period with two matches in week six, with their first game taking place on Wednesday night against Sydney at Whitten Oval. Melbourne will be desperate for a win when they meet Greater Western Sydney on Thursday night at Ikon Park.
ESSENDON 4.0 6.3 8.5 11.6 (72)
MELBOURNE 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7)
GOALS
Essendon: Bannister 4, Gamble 2, A. Clarke 2, Prespakis, Cain, Vogt
Melbourne: Wotherspoon
BEST
Essendon: Prespakis, Bannister, Gee, G Clarke, Walker
Melbourne: Chaplin, Gillard, Goldrick, Hanks, Watt
INJURIES
Essendon: Van De Heuvel (knee)
Melbourne: McNamara (nose), Heath (shoulder)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 3325 at Windy Hill
