1. The Bombers' brutal response
After an inconsistent start to the season for Essendon, including an embarrassing defeat to the Western Bulldogs last round, the key discussion point pre-match was how the Bombers would respond to a week of heavy criticism. We got our answer in the opening eight minutes when they rattled on the first three goals from as many inside 50s and led the possession count 40-14. This was a different Bomber outfit: sharp, intense, energetic, efficient. They were challenged at various stages but had all the answers in an assured team performance. And they ensured there are no longer any undefeated teams this season. We await with interest what they will serve up on Anzac Day.
A BIT OF RAZZLE DAZZLE: Orazio threads one through
2. Stringer burns while Joe finds something late
This was the type of performance the Bombers had envisioned from Jake Stringer when they traded for the premiership Bulldog last year. The bullocking forward didn't get everything right – at times he gave away free kicks from overzealousness – but his strength and explosiveness was in full cry in kicking four goals, his best effort since round 10 last year. His fourth, a brilliant bouncing effort from the boundary early in the last quarter, lifted Dons fans to their feet. James Stewart ignited them with three early goals and spearhead Joe Daniher finally found some touch in the final term. After slotting just four goals in the opening three rounds and making a blunder last round that went viral, Daniher drew further howls from the Bomber faithful fans when he missed after electing to snap a set shot when he was almost directly in front of goal. However, he nailed two late set shots – with drop-punts – that should lift his confidence.
WATCH: Stringer has his breakout game
WATCH: Stringer sends the Bombers fans bananas
3. Cale's clumsy hook
There didn't appear to be much in it in real time but, on closer inspection, Essendon swingman Cale Hooker might have a case to answer for his late hit on Port Adelaide star Chad Wingard. In the latter part of the second quarter, Wingard gathered a bouncing ball at half-forward and quickly released a handball over the oncoming Hooker, who then collected Wingard with an errant right forearm. The Power champion remained dazed on his back momentarily before leaving the field to have a bloodied nose attended to. In Hooker's favour is that Wingard returned to the fray soon after and played out the game. A more positive development for Hooker was that he made a smooth transition back to more familiar territory in defence where he proved a defensive pillar alongside the dominant Michael Hurley.
4. Watts that about, Jack?
Late in the second quarter Port Adelaide was pressing, having reduced a 36-point margin to 22 points, when a seemingly well-weighted pass was placed into the path of Jack Watts at half-forward. Instead of pushing hard to take the mark, the ex-Demon loped along and allowed it to bounce before being shunted aside, and the Bombers ran the ball unimpeded down the field where Stringer kicked an easy goal. It was the kind of effort that used to frustrate Melbourne fans no end. Watts still managed to kick three goals. Of greater concern is the form and fitness of fellow recruit Tom Rockliff. The former Brisbane Lions skipper and ball magnet is a shadow of his former self, managing just eight touches while appearing to carry an injury low on his left leg. Rockliff tried to run with Zach Merrett but simply couldn't keep up.
DONS BITE BACK: Full match coverage and stats
5. Dons turn tables in midfield battle
Essendon's midfield had been challenged to lift and they seemed up against it given Port's deep running brigade had been in hot form. The Power had averaged 41 clearances (sixth in the AFL) to the Bombers' 29 (second-last) but the home side reversed the trend, winning the stat 45-41, to hold the ascendancy through the middle. Skipper Dyson Heppell led the way with a prolific display, Zach Merrett also made a welcome return to form, and David Zaharakis was also damaging. The best for the Power was veteran midfielder Robbie Gray, who played a lone hand for much of the contest.
