NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.3, 2.4, 9.5, 14.9 (93)
ESSENDON: 2.4, 6.7, 10.8, 12.9 (81)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Brown 4, Thomas 3, Petrie 2, Dal Santo, Greenwood, Gibson, Cunnington, Ziebell
Essendon: Daniher 4, Colyer 2, Chapman 2, Goddard, Howlett, Bellchambers, Ryder
BEST
North Melbourne: Cunnington, Greenwood, Brown, Gibson, Thomas, Wells,
Essendon: Heppell, Chapman, Watson, Ryder
INJURIES
North Melbourne: TBC
Essendon: TBC
What Happened
North Melbourne produced a comeback for the ages as they defeated Essendon by 12 points to end the Bombers season and advance to a semi-final encounter with Geelong next week.
In a remarkable clash on Saturday night at the MCG, the Kangaroos looked all but done three minutes into the third term as Paul Chapman curled home Essendon’s fifth unanswered goal to give the Bombers a 33-point lead.
But that was the cue for youngster Ben Brown, wearing the No.50 jumper in just his ninth match, to take the game by the scruff of the neck as he received the ball from Daniel Wells after Sam Wright produced a critical interception in the middle of the ground.
And, when Brown nailed his first for the night, the Kangas woke from their slumber in a big way, kicking five consecutive goals in 11 sizzling minutes of footy, with Brown booting three of them.
It set the tone for one of the greatest quarters of footy seen this season, one that saw a combined 11 goals kicked.
The Kangas maintained the rage to start the final quarter as they booted three of the quarter’s first four goals to take the lead for the first time on the night as Lindsay Thomas kicked truly after being taken high by Jason Winderlich.
Essendon regained the advantage as Paddy Ryder – the story of the week after reportedly requesting a trade to Brisbane – took a big one-handed mark before playing on and curling home a brilliant goal.
And, when Scott Thompson missed down the other end, the scores were level and extra time beckoned.
But cometh the hour, cometh the man.
Drew Petrie, at fault for Ryder’s goal and far from his best all night, produced two goals in a minute to break the game apart and end another turbulent season for Essendon with absolute heartbreak.
Fallout
Who knows what will happen with Essendon from now on. Will Paddy Ryder leave? Will Jason Winderlich reconsider his retirement? Will Mark Thompson stay on as coach as James Hird returns? The fallout wile be massive. Also expect to see plenty of debate about the sliding rule after two North Melbourne players were not given frees as Essendon players flew in low. Levi Greenwood was even reported for one of them.
Hope he's in my fantasy team
Along with being reported, Greenwood was massive in this game, picking up 15 of his 32 possessions in the final term as he led his side to victory. He had plenty of mates, though, as Ben Cunnington (30) and Daniel Wells (28) also produced big performances.
What's next
The Kangas go on to a semi-final against Geelong while Essendon will have to be content with Mad Monday celebrations.