Bombers Struggle as Crows Dominate in a Stunning MCG Clash
Well, footy fans, if you were hoping for a tight contest at the MCG, you might have been left shaking your head. The Adelaide Crows have sent a strong message to the rest of the competition, dismantling Essendon by a massive 61 points in a high-scoring, one-sided affair. It was an absolute masterclass in ball movement and efficiency in front of goal, leaving the Bombers with plenty of questions to answer.
Right from the outset, the Crows looked sharper, hungrier, and simply more in sync. Their ball use was clinical, their forward line electric, and their midfield completely outworked the Bombers in almost every contest. The final scoreboard read Adelaide 25.11 (161) to Essendon 15.10 (100) – a result that will have Essendon fans feeling more than a little concerned about where their team stands early in the season.
One of the biggest takeaways from this clash was the sheer dominance of Adelaide's attacking unit. Izak Rankine was electric, producing what might already be the goal of the year with a stunning dashing finish from the boundary. Josh Rachele was equally impressive, slotting four goals and creating havoc in the Bombers’ defensive half. Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty, and Jake Soligo all added their names to the ever-growing list of Crows’ goal scorers, proving just how dangerous this team can be when given space and opportunity.
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Meanwhile, Essendon struggled to match Adelaide’s pace and precision. While Zach Merrett was a standout with 35 touches and four goals – an impressive individual effort – it wasn’t enough to lift his team out of trouble. Sam Draper chipped in with three goals, but the Bombers' backline was simply overwhelmed. Turnovers, poor defensive structures, and an inability to stop Adelaide’s ball movement made for a long and frustrating afternoon for the Essendon faithful.
Adelaide’s ball movement and efficiency were nothing short of elite. The way they transitioned from defense to attack with such speed and purpose set a new benchmark for the season. Their stoppage work was clean, their handball chains precise, and their ability to finish in front of goal was ruthless. If this performance is anything to go by, the Crows are well and truly a team to watch in 2025.
For Essendon, this was a step backward after their opening-round loss to Hawthorn. There was optimism surrounding their season with a new contract secured for coach Brad Scott, but now serious concerns must be addressed. Defensive lapses and poor ball use will be areas that need urgent fixing if they want to compete with the top sides.
Looking ahead, the Bombers will need to regroup quickly. There’s no time to dwell in the fast-paced world of AFL, and they’ll have to address their structural issues before their next matchup. Meanwhile, Adelaide will be riding high after this win, gaining confidence and momentum as they push to solidify themselves as genuine contenders.
This clash was a wake-up call for Essendon and a statement from Adelaide. One team left the field with their season looking bright, the other with more questions than answers. The 2025 season is just heating up, and if today’s performance is any indication, we are in for a thrilling ride ahead!
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