Jake Carlisle has been lobbying coach Mark Thompson all year to play him in defence and against the Tigers he got that chance. He took four intercept marks in the first half and repeatedly thwarted Richmond's attempts to move the ball forward. Michael Hurley's late withdrawal with a back complaint, worked wonders (although Essendon would not admit it) for team balance, as Joe Daniher and Tom Bellchambers thrived in the key posts up forward. It must be clear to Thompson, now, that Carlisle has to be the man patrolling the defensive 50 for the Bombers.

 

Last weekend, Jack Riewoldt was on top of the world. 11 goals against Greater Western Sydney meant he was sitting pretty at the top of the goalkicking leaderboard. But against Essendon on Saturday night, he couldn't get a sniff. One possession in the first half said it all. Granted the Tigers were thoroughly outgunned further up the field, but Riewoldt was back in the slump that dogged the start of his year. Amazingly, with his three late goals, Riewoldt is the clear leader in the race to the Coleman Medal.

 

Essendon's Ben Howlett had kicked two goals leading into the game against the Tigers. By the end of the night, he had nailed a career-high five to provide the Bombers with a scoring lift that was desperately needed. It was a night out for Howlett, whose constant pressure was a fixture of Essendon's aggressive play. The lesser-known Bomber finished with 25 disposals and five tackles to help power Essendon to its highest score since round three.

  

When Dan Hannebery was cleared by the Match Review Panel for high contact on Michael Hurley in round nine, a precedent was set for players attempting to win the ball. So Heath Hocking's hit on Ben Lennon in the final term is sure to be looked at, but may ultimately be thrown out based on the Hannebery case. Hocking was crude in his attack on the football, catching Lennon in the head as he leaned over to pick up the ball. But it was clear that Hocking's eyes were on winning the ball. However as there has been all year, there is sure to be some conjecture when the MRP meets on Monday.

 

The 39-year-old Bomber was in absolutely everything against the Tigers. His long-range kick at goal started proceedings when he charged forward from the backline to drill the opening goal just 40 seconds into the match. His chase on Shane Edwards in the second quarter to prevent an easy soccer goal smacked of a player who would do anything to help his team succeed. His positioning in defence was also first-rate, as he was part of a backline that kept the Tigers to just three goals in the first half. His 25 disposals and 13 marks were pivotal in setting up the contest for Essendon.

 

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie