AFL 2021 LIVE updates Western Bulldogs v Essendon Bombers in the elimination final
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It’s a 19 point lead to the Dogs.
Essendon simply must kick the first goal.
There was a bit of argy-bargy to end that third term.
Essendon need to double their goal tally to win, all the while keeping the Dogs without a goal.
Here we go. Rain tumbling.
Q4 WB 53 ESS 34
The Dogs have broken this game open in the third quarter and are on the verge of shutting the Bombers out. It has been a gritty struggle in slippery conditions but Luke Beveridge’s men have taken control in the midfield and are making their chances count. Josh Dunkley has stopped Darcy Parish in his tracks, while 20-year-old Cody Weightman has been the difference, kicking four goals, all from free kicks, at least one of which should not have been paid.
The Dogs leapt ahead in that term. They’re 8.5.53 to Essendon’s 4.10.34.
A three goal to zero quarter.
There’s been some pretty questionable umpiring this game, particularly in that quarter.
It all went the way of the Dogs and Cody Weightman has been the big beneficiary with his four goals all from free kicks.
Granted, the Dogs have been on top in general play since the second term and Weightman is getting into really dangerous areas.
It’s going to be hard for Essendon to come back from this margin in the wet.
Josh Schache has two goals. It’s worked brining him in late.
It’s the biggest lead of the afternoon now for the Bulldogs after that Schache set shot.
They have kicked six of the last seven.
Taylor Duryea was great across half-forward to force the turnover and create the repeat inside 50.
Q3 WB 53 ESS 33
Seconds after his third, the ball goes forward from the centre bounce and Weightman gets another free kick.
He converts the set shot from wide. The free was for a push after he disposed of it. It is a very, very lucky one, I reckon.
All his goals are from free kicks.
Q3 WB 46 ESS 33
At the centre of the action: Cody Weightman has four goals from free kicks.Credit:AFL Photos
It’s been a tight start to the third term. A real scrap in the wet. The ball is moving around in a manner that is not precise at all. Unusual for these two sides but the conditions make it so.
Cody Weightman wins a free kick for a hold, it was clear.
He converts the set shot. Weightman is causing the Bombers all sorts of problems this afternoon, that’s his third goal.
Q3 WB 40 ESS 33
WB 5.4.34 ESS 4.7.31.
That was a brilliant first half. The rain is still hanging around. The Bulldogs midfield roared into life ominously in the second term.
Here’s hoping this game keeps delivering.
Also, just as an aside, remember when Darcy Parish was playing as a half-forward? He only cracked the Bombers midfield this season.
His All-Australian form has continued into this match. The speed at which he can hit stoppages is a joy to watch.
Half-time.
Take a breath. WB 5.4.34 ESS 4.7.31.
The wet weather has dumbed down the skills but the pressure and intensity and what’s at stake is making this elimination final compelling viewing.
Western Bulldogs improved big time that quarter, particularly their midfield led by Bontempelli and Liberatore.
Analysis of that half to come ...
Parish pulls a kick to find Jake Stringer.
He has been quiet since he kicked the first goal of the game. He snaps the set shot.
This game is tight and tense. It is fantastic in the wet.
Draper’s kick off the ground also valuable earlier in the play.
Q2 WB 33 ESS 31
Jake Stringer was fired up after kicking his second goal.Credit:AFL Photos
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