Essendon fans came to the MCG thinking they were a real hope of causing upset. Their confidence should not be shaken at quarter time, despite the nine-point deficit. The Bombers have brought effort and dare. More importantly, they do not look like the disorganised side that graced the field in the first month of the season.
Their best players are in the game: Archie Roberts has 12 disposals, Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish eight each and Nate Caddy has had three shots – albeit for three behinds. Archer Day-Wicks has been the unlikely scene stealer, taking one of the marks of the season and booting two goals.
Great goal: Pies star Jordan De Goey.Getty Images
The Pies don’t look pretty but have been effective. Two of their four goals came from surges from the centre square, another goal from a howler by Ben McKay deep in defence. There’s a bit of Daicos or bust about them. Josh and Nick have had 12 and 10 disposals respectively, and Scott Pendlebury seven. They’re the only Pies in the top 10 ball-winners.