Essendon has delivered a stirring last-quarter comeback to beat Port Adelaide by 12 points and claim its first win of the season.
The Bombers, seeking a response to their humiliating 10-goal loss to Adelaide in round two, trailed for most of Thursday night’s scrappy encounter, let down by wasteful goal-kicking.
They were behind by 11 points early in the fourth quarter.
But Brad Scott’s Bombers, sparked by Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako, kicked four goals in a row to claim a 9.18 (72) to 8.12 (60) win in front of just 25,114 spectators at Docklands.
In the process, the Bombers (1-2) piled fresh pressure on the Power (1-2) and coach Ken Hinkley, who is in his final season before handing over to senior assistant coach Josh Carr.
While Caddy (two goals), Kako and debutant sub Saad El-Hawli had their moments, Essendon’s midfield stepped up late.
Bombers captain Zach Merrett (34 disposals) was typically prolific, while Sam Durham (28) and Xavier Duursma (29) had plenty of the ball.
Power forward Mitch Georgiades stood tall early with two first-quarter goals and his impressive aerial work, including a big hanger on the wing in the second quarter.
Georgiades threatened to break the match open, but he let himself down with poor kicking and he was contained by Zach Reid in the second half.
The Power were never made to feel comfortable against the Bombers. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
The Power’s Jase Burgoyne (27 disposals) racked up plenty of the ball off half-back, while Ollie Wines (31) was tough, with support from Christian Moraes (27), and Aliir Aliir fought hard down back.
The Bombers were frenetic but rushed early and lacked composure going forward.
They created chances without reward and trailed by a goal at quarter-time.
Jade Gresham gave the Bombers a crucial steadying goal just before the half-time siren to cut the Power’s lead to three points.
The Power led by a goal at three-quarter time and early in the final term, Jason Horne-Francis brilliantly snatched the ball out of the air with one hand then drilled a terrific running goal to extend the lead.
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El-Hawli, freshly substituted into the match, sparked Essendon with a brilliant burst off half-back that ended with Nic Martin goaling.
Mason Redman levelled the scores with a thumping long bomb, before Caddy kicked two points to snatch the lead.
Kako then danced around the Power defence before hitting up Caddy to extend the lead to eight points.
Draper booted his second and the Bombers held on.
They have the bye in round four, while the Power host St Kilda next Sunday.
AAP
Look back at how the action unfolded in our blog.
Key Events
4h ago4 hours agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:04am
5h ago5 hours agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 9:38am
6h ago6 hours agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 9:05am
8h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 7:02am
Bombers vs Power scoreboard
By Luke Pentony
3h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 12:04pm
Thanks for joining us!
By Luke Pentony
That’s where we’re leaving our coverage for the evening.
Thanks for joining us!
We’ll be back on Friday night to do it all again when the Blues face off with the Blues.
Until then, good night!
3h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 12:02pm
Scott enjoys sweet taste of victory
By Luke Pentony
Brad Scott and his Bombers claimed their first win of the season. (AAP)
Bombers coach Brad Scott was satisfied with his side’s performance, coming off the back of an insipid display against the Crows.
But Scott told his media conference there’s still work to do.
We think we’re capable. I think we’ve got a capable group. It doesn’t mean their finish products by any stretch of the imagination.
Scott was particularly pleased with the Bombers’ defensive effort following the 61-point loss to the Crows last Saturday.
Our key defenders had a really tough week last week and I thought they were outstanding tonight.
Scott also gave a shout-out to Saad El-Hawli, who played a key role in Nic Martin’s final-quarter goal after making his AFL debut as the Bombers’ sub.
He came on and did exactly what we thought he’d do.
3h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:44am
Hinkley left to rue fourth-quarter fade-out
By Luke Pentony
The Power coughed up an 11-point lead in the final term. (Getty)
Power coach Ken Hinkley cut a dejected figure when he met reporters at his post-match media conference.
Hinkley felt the Power’s senior players didn’t step up when the match was on the line in the fourth quarter.
We played OK through patches but when the game was up for grabs, they (Bombers) dominated us in the contests.
They were stronger and more willing, so it was really disappointing.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:20am
Bombers looking to the Lions
By Luke Pentony
The Lions were written off early last season amid their poor start, yet recovered in time to qualify for the finals and win the flag.
Can the Bombers repeat the dose and at least fight their way into the top eight?
There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge before it can be declared the Bombers’ season is back on track.
But they can follow the example of the Lions for inspiration, as Sam Durham explained to the Seven Network.
We look at Brisbane last year and they started pretty poorly and then won the premiership.
So we did not think it was all bad … we had a bad game against Adelaide and responded.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:11am
A tipster’s nightmare
By Luke Pentony
Thanks Luke – just let me know if you need a team jinxed 🙂 See you next time
– Mike
Don’t worry Mike, I don’t think you were alone in tipping the Power!
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:10am
Bombers rejoice
By Luke Pentony
Enough said …
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4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:04am
FT: BOMBERS TRIUMPH!
By Luke Pentony
The Bombers have their first ‘W’ of the season. (Getty)
BOMBERS WIN!!!!!
The Bombers have defeated the Power by two goals, winning 9.18 (72) to 8.12 (60).
After opening the season with two straight losses, the Bombers score what is a memorable victory.
They trailed by a goal at three-quarter time, but finished over the top of the tiring Power with four majors to one in the final term.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:03am
Rioli falls just short for Power
By Luke Pentony
Willie Rioli had a set-shot chance for the Power with just over a minute left in the match.
It was from a difficult angle, though, and went through for a behind.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 11:00am
Bombers looking fresh
By Luke Pentony
It’s amazing what a run of goals can do for your confidence, isn’t it?
The Bombers seemed out on the feet at three-quarter time but their scoring spree in the final term has given them a second wind.
They lead by 13 points with three minutes left on the clock.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:55am
Bombers build lead through Sam Draper
By Luke Pentony
Sam Draper collects his second goal of the match as the Bombers move further in front on the scoreboard.
Draper took a great mark on the lead inside the attacking 50, before repeating the trick from his first goal with a side-on stance at the set-shot.
It worked and the Bombers had a fourth goal in a row.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:51am
Caddy adds to Bombers’ lead
By Luke Pentony
Nate Caddy makes it three consecutive scores … this time it’s a major!
Caddy converts from the set-shot in front of goal and it’s the Bombers by eight.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:48am
Bombers hit the front
By Luke Pentony
We’re at the midway point of the final quarter and the Bombers move ahead on the scoreboard, but only just.
From a free kick inside 50, Nate Caddy appeared to be on target from the set-shot, but only came away with a minor score.
He managed another behind soon after to give the Bombers a slender two-point lead.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:44am
Bombers level scores in final term
By Luke Pentony
Mason Redman, come on down!
Redman levels the score for the Bombers after the Power coughed up possession with a lazy handpass.
Jade Gresham was on hand to claim the ball before offloading to Redman, who went long and was on target.
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4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:42am
Cochrane does his bit for Power
By Luke Pentony
Power sub Tom Cochrane almost had a goal early in his AFL debut.
Cochrane took a superb mark on the boundary line inside the Power’s attacking 50.
From a tight angle, he sent his set-shot towards goal, but it went through for a behind.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:39am
El-Hawli leaves an impression for Bombers
By Luke Pentony
Sub Saad El-Hawli makes an impact with two touches in movement leading up the Bombers’ latest goal, kicked by Nic Martin.
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The Bombers trail by five early in the fourth.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:37am
Horne-Francis shows class with Power major
By Luke Pentony
Jason Horne-Francis gives the Power a lightening start to the fourth term with his first goal.
Horne-Francis’s effort pushes the Power out to an 11-point advantage after the additions of behinds.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:35am
Power and Bombers activate subs
By Luke Pentony
Subs Saad El-Hawli (Bombers) and Tom Cochrane (Power) are both on the field to make their AFL debuts.
Well done to both, a moment for them to cherish.
El-Hawli takes the place of Tom Edwards, and Cochrane replaces Ivan Soldo.
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:33am
Final quarter up and running
By Luke Pentony
One quarter to go and it’s the Power with their noses in front.
Can the Bombers overhaul the visitors and post their first win of the season?
Or do the Power have enough in the tank to get home?
So much to look forward to as the final terms gets underway!
4h agoThu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:27am
3QT: Power 7.8 (50) lead Bombers 5.14 (44)
By Luke Pentony
It’s anyone’s game at the final change. (AAP)
It’s the Power ahead by a goal as we make the turn for home.
Fatigue is setting in for both sides so it will be a survival of the fitness in the final quarter.
