Bombers snatch AFL thriller over gutsy North Melbourne

Brad Scott has warned his Essendon gamers to count on a “slog” each week after they survived an enormous scare to strengthen their grip on an AFL top-eight spot with a six-point win over North Melbourne.

A sport of swinging momentum ultimately fell the Bombers’ manner when substitute Massimo D’Ambrosio snapped the match-winning aim with two minutes left in a 16.9 (105) to fifteen.9 (99) victory at Marvel Stadium.

The second-from-bottom Kangaroos trailed by 20 factors at quarter-time and misplaced essential midfielders Jy Simpkin and Hugh Greenwood to concussion earlier than the principle break.

However they fought again with six consecutive objectives and led by 17 factors through the third time period.

The Bombers kicked six of the following seven majors to show for residence with a lead and obtained their noses again in entrance in a nerve-wracking closing quarter, boosting their finals hopes within the course of.

The lead modified palms 4 instances within the final time period and scores had been degree after Kangaroos ahead Jaidyn Stephenson’s sensible snap with three minutes left earlier than D’Ambrosio stepped up with the sport on the road.

The substitute pounced after Jake Stringer’s excellent smother and deal with saved the ball in Essendon’s ahead line.

“I stated to the gamers it is going to be an actual contest and we obtained precisely what we anticipated, despite the fact that early on we had the sport fully on our phrases,” Bombers coach Scott stated.

“To North Melbourne’s credit score, they fought again and had been fairly fierce across the contest and beat us for a big a part of the sport in that space.”

Scott was at pains to focus on his aspect’s inexperience towards equally youthful opponent, noting he fielded 17 gamers with fewer than 100 video games underneath their belts.

“I am actually excited concerning the upside for us however proper for the time being – and I think it is a reflection of the competitors – each sport goes to be a slog,” Scott stated.

Kyle Langford booted 4 objectives for Essendon and Zach Merrett completed with a game-high 34 disposals and two majors, whereas Jye Caldwell (27 touches), Jordan Ridley (21) and Nic Martin (21, two objectives) had been essential.

Stringer (17 touches, 5 tackles, one aim) was one other robust contributor, impressing Scott together with his dedication to the defensive aspect of the sport.

Cameron Zurhaar kicked 4 objectives for North and Ben McKay responded to criticism over a poor efficiency final week with some essential moments in defence.

Liam Shiels went to Merrett after quarter-time and restricted the Bombers skipper’s harm after he had 17 disposals, 5 clearances and two objectives within the first quarter alone.

An undermanned midfield led by Will Phillips (28 disposals) threatened to elevate the Kangaroos to an enormous upset, with Harry Sheezel (21), Bailey Scott (19) and Aaron Corridor (27) essential.

However their collective effort wasn’t sufficient to stop a tenth consecutive defeat.

“There was so much to love across the children once more being a barometer and giving us a have a look at what the longer term appears to be like like,” Kangaroos caretaker coach Brett Ratten stated.

“That was encouraging however we do not wish to preserve placing ourselves in shut video games and never getting over the road.

“We made some blues in the direction of the tip of the sport, which can be nice schooling and we did not fairly get that proper, however there have been some pleasing issues to return out of it once more.”

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