By Sam Cantwell
Essendon were convincingly beaten by an impressive Blues outfit on Sunday afternoon, bringing to a close season 2011 for the Bombers. After Essendon scored the first 3 goals, it was one way sailing with Carlton kicking the next 9 goals of the game before an Essendon response just shy of half time. Carlton sensation Chris Judd was well held in the first half, with only a handful of disposals. However, Marc Murphy was dominating in the middle of the ground and stood up well with Judd being heavily tagged. Half time, Essendon trailed a rampant Carlton by 41 points.

Not to compare Carlton to Adelaide, but there was still belief among the Essendon faithful after a stirring 8 goal turn around after half time in round 17 against the Crows. The hope was faint, and then dashed when Bret Thornton slotted one through in the opening 3 minutes of the third term. A quick response from Brent Stanton restored some hope but again, Carlton responded with another 2. Another goal to Bomber Brent Stanton, and the margin was reduced back under 50.

However, the Blues were on. From the 13 minute mark of the third, the Blues slammed through a further 4 goals to Essendon’s 2. By 3 quarter time, the game was done. Carlton held a commanding 62 points. With nothing to lose, Essendon traded goals with the Blues in the final quarter, kicking 5 straight for the quarter, matching Carlton’s 4 goals 6 behinds.

The final margin the same as the margin at 3 quarter time. Essendon’s season finished, losing 13-9-87 to Carlton 21-23-149.

Enough of that match. Essendon in season 2011 has been a considerable improvement on that of 2010. In 2010, Essendon win only 7 games and finishing 14th. Compared to a 2011 season which saw champion James Hird return to the club as senior coach, old favourite Bomber Thompson returning to the club as Hird’s senior assistant and the addition of previous Essendon premiership players in Wellman and Wallis. And more importantly than all that, Essendon win 11 games and lost 10 this year. A significant improvement and a credit to not only the coaching panel but the players as well.

A collective sigh of relief surrounded round 1. Essendon, by most experts were tipped to finish in the lower half of the ladder. Round 1 saw Essendon play probably their best game of footy for the year. The only game in which they were able to field a full strength team. Round 1 also saw Rodney Eade label Essendon as ‘Sneaky top 4 contenders’. Round 2, the bubble burst. Losing to Sydney was probably one of the hardest losses to take considering Essendon managed a 25 point plus lead in the third quarter, but still there were major signs of improvement.

Any opinions of experts were totally proven wrong in round 3. Essendon totally smashing St Kilda in an amazing display at Etihad stadium. Now, I don’t want to comment on every game, but rounds 4 and 5 were probably our most significant games of the year. The draw with Carlton in round 4 showed the belief and character of the Essendon boys. 2 men down in the first quarter against one of the best midfield’s in the AFL and still didn’t get beaten.

Amazing. Round 5, Anzac day. Now, we lost, but to come back into the match after trailing by near 40 points showed enormous improvement, not only in skill but belief in themselves as well. Other highlights of the first 10 rounds were the 15.4 quarter against new team Gold Coast and breaking our hoodoo in Brisbane with a 6 goal win over the lions. Things were going better than anyone expected after round 8. Essendon amazingly, were positioned 3rd on the ladder behind only Collingwood and Geelong. A loss to Richmond in Dreamtime at the G sparked a collapse for Essendon. A loss, then the bye, then 4 straight losses saw the Dons at 6th after round 14 and seemingly gone after a hammering from Hawthorn. Round 15 however, was simply amazing. No Jobe Watson and no Sam Longergan and coming up against the unbeaten Geelong. Essendon were over 10 dollars to win and after Geelong managed the first 3 goals, Essendon looked gone. The resilience of Essendon from that point on showed. By half time Essendon had managed a 17 point lead and were looking to cause the biggest upset of the year. Not many will ever forget the commentary ‘Monfries, Melksham, BOMBERS!’ A win the saw Essendon’s season turn on its head. Win’s over Richmond and Adelaide saw the Bombers back in the 8. Losses to Collingwood and Carlton. Then wins over Sydney, Bulldogs and Port Adelaide secured a finals spot.

Overall, season 2011 has to be rated as a positive one. For me, an 8/10 for improvement on a massive scale. 5 straight losses and a finals loss reduces the total a little bit.

Well done Hird and co and all the players. We look forward to an exciting season 2012.