As the sun sets on Essendon’s 2024 season, the Bombers find themselves in a familiar yet frustrating position: on the outside of the top eight, peering in with dwindling hope. Tonight’s clash against Sydney at Marvel Stadium presents a final chance to salvage pride, if not a place in September.
Essendon’s September dreams were cruelly dashed last weekend in a heartbreaking 87-86 loss to Gold Coast. With the Bombers clinging to a precarious spot inside the top eight, a last-second goal from Mac Andrew snatched victory away, leaving Essendon with their fifth consecutive defeat as favorites. This was a crushing blow for a side that, just weeks ago, seemed destined for finals, if not a top-four finish. Now, with only two games left, Essendon is left to reflect on a season that promised so much but has delivered heartbreak in abundance.
The Bombers’ recent form is concerning, with seven losses from their last 10 games, a run that has seen them slide out of finals contention. Adding to their woes, Nik Cox has been ruled out due to concussion, and Alwyn Davey Jnr remains unavailable. However, there is some hope with the return of Archie Perkins and Sam Weideman, who will be eager to make their mark at the senior level.
On the other side of the ledger, Sydney arrives in Melbourne on a high after one of the season’s most thrilling comebacks. Last weekend, the Swans overturned a 27-point final-quarter deficit to stun ladder leaders Collingwood at the SCG, emerging victorious 89-86. The win, orchestrated by outstanding performances from Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney, breathed new life into Sydney’s campaign.
However, the Swans’ journey this season has been anything but smooth. After a blistering start that saw them lose just once in the first 15 rounds, Sydney has stumbled in recent weeks, with six losses from their last 21 games. Yet, last weekend’s victory may have sparked a resurgence, as the Swans look to consolidate their position in the finals.
Unfortunately for Sydney, they will be without the influential Chad Warner and Robbie Fox for this encounter. The return of Corey Warner and the much-needed defensive presence of Lewis Melican will be crucial as they aim to maintain their recent dominance over Essendon, having won five of the last six encounters.
In their first meeting this year, Sydney overpowered Essendon with a 131-101 win in Round 2, led by Warner and Heeney, who combined for 60 disposals and three goals. The Swans will hope to replicate that form tonight, while Essendon will be desperate to overturn their recent misfortunes and give their fans something to cheer about in what has been a tumultuous season.
As the Bombers take the field at Marvel Stadium tonight, they do so with the weight of missed opportunities on their shoulders. For Sydney, it’s a chance to cement their place in the top eight and keep their momentum rolling into September. One thing is certain: with both teams’ seasons hanging in the balance, tonight’s match promises to be a fierce and closely contested battle.
