West Coast vs Essendon Review – 2011 AFL Season – Round 22

In fine and sunny conditions West Coast faced an inform Bomber's outfit, but with the confidence that they could run them over given their poor away record.

Essendon started well in the first going goal for goal with West Coast (one thanks to an interchange infringement), but West Coast controlled proceedings for the rest of the term with their forward press, before a late goal to David Zaharakis brought Essendon some hope with the margin only 9 points in West Coast's favour.

In the second quarter, both teams were sloppy with their skills and had difficulty kicking the ball through the big sticks, with the first goal coming 17 minutes in to Dean Cox. However, Essendon replied quickly and had a good run of momentum kicking the next 2 as well as another buzzer beater, this time for Stewart Crameri, which gave the visitors a single point lead at the main break.

West Coast dominated the 3rd quarter early with their forward press at it's best during the game, but 4 consecutive behinds didn't translate well to the scoreboard before Kennedy finally converted accurately and Scott Selwood not to soon afterwards. Essendon replied quickly as they had done throughout the game, with 2 consecutive goals, but a concussion to captain Jobe Watson, who was ruled out of the game, restricted their bench to only 2 (Andrew Welsh was injured earlier in the game where their substitute, Nathan Lovett Murray, was activated) and from there onwards West Coast dominated with 12 of the next 14 goals to run out clear 57 point winners.

My Eagles Votes


5 - Luke Shuey - very good across the entire game with his prolific clearance winning and important involvement in the team's run and spread from congestion  -  23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 1 goal, 2 behninds 1 goal assist

4 - Daniel Kerr - got the ball early but was a bit down on his usual effectiveness, however that changed in the second half where he was as dynamic and excellent as ever with his inside work at stoppages and also in kicking and setting up important goals - 25 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 2 goals

3 - Josh Kennedy - worked hard throughout the game in providing the focal point for the midfield with a good  scoreboard return - 19 disposals, 9 marks (2 contested, 3 inside 50), 6 inside 50, 7 1%ers, 4 goals, 3 behinds, 2 goal assists

2 - Scott Selwood - tough job of being opposed to Watson for 3 quarters and matched him for impact with his work inside the contest  - 23 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 6 clearances, 8 tackles, 1 goal, 1 behind

1 - Nic Naitanui - quite first half, but impacted the contest well in the second half with his ruck/clearance work - 10 disposals, 1 contested mark ,26 hitouts, 5 clearances, 5 1%ers, 1 goal

My Brownlow Votes

3 - Luke Shuey - see above
2 - Daniel Kerr - see above
1 - Josh Kenney - see above