The Bombers came out breathing fire, booting seven goals straight in an exhilarating first term. Essendon disappointingly fell to Melbourne in a one-point loss last weekend and it was clear they were ready to make a statement against Adelaide. The Bombers had three goals on the board within five minutes. The Crows, on the other hand, were sluggish and wasteful, booting 2.6 for the quarter. Despite the Crows' best efforts to claw back into the contest, they were always playing catch up and the Bombers' fruitful opening stanza proved the difference in the end.

 

Ben Howlett may have gone into the running for Goal of the Year with an outstanding banana from the tightest of angles. But there were major doubts over whether it was actually a goal, with replays showing the ball coming in close proximity to the post. Despite the gesturing of Crows players, the umpires decided not to request a score review. From the replays available, it is difficult to tell whether the ball did in fact brush the goal post. But there is little doubt the umpires should have at least made the attempt to take a look.

 

Adelaide defender Brodie Smith was added to the All Australian conversation during the week and for good reason. The 22-year-old Crow is having a stellar year, averaging career-highs in disposals (24.2) and marks (5.9) as well as being ranked second in the competition for rebound 50s. The Bombers identified Smith's penetrating right boot and damaging run and carry as a danger and sent stopper Heath Hocking the task of limiting his impact as a defensive forward. The duel was an enthralling one all night, with Smith finishing with 21 touches and a goal. Hocking had 13 possessions and completed his task with discipline.

 

There has been a lot of recent support for Essendon players relating to ASADA issuing show-cause notices this month. Despite the dire situation, Bombers fans have stood by the club and its players. Mark Thompson urged supporters to 'back our boys' and that's exactly what happened at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Upon arriving at the venue, fans were greeted with placards emblazoned with 'back our boys' on every seat on the lower deck. The fan driven movement, led by bomberblitz.com, was designed to reaffirm the supporters' faith in the club and its players.

 

Dustin Fletcher's career has been characterised by desperate efforts to prevent goals. And at 39 years young, the veteran defender is still managing to do those things. Fletcher saved a near certain goal when he chased Crows forward Josh Jenkins inside forward 50 in the second quarter, lunging at the precise moment to affect Jenkins' kick at goal. At that stage of the match, the Crows were steadily working their way back into the game. But Fletcher's tackle halted Adelaide's momentum, somewhat, and allowed Essendon to stablise the situation.

 

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie