AFL: Bombers overcome Port Adelaide to avoid 0-3 start

Essendon have responded to a week of intense scrutiny in the best possible way, overcoming inaccuracy and a spirited Port Adelaide side to claim a gutsy 12-point win at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

In a physical and at times scrappy contest, Essendon delivered a final-quarter surge to seal a 9.18 (72) to 8.12 (60) victory and avoid a 0-3 start to the season for just the second time since 1967.

With their backs to the wall after a demoralising 10-goal loss to Adelaide in Round 2 of the 2025 AFL season, the Bombers showed heart and resilience.

Trailing by six points at three-quarter time, Brad Scott’s side booted four goals to one in the final term to overpower a tiring Port outfit.

Captain Zach Merrett was immense with 34 disposals, while Sam Draper and Nate Caddy contributed two goals apiece in the low-scoring affair.

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The game was played at a frenetic pace early but was hampered by fatigue, as both teams entered on a five-day turnaround.

The first half saw plenty of turnovers and missed opportunities, with both sides struggling to maintain pressure or fluency for long periods.

Port Adelaide appeared in control for much of the opening half, particularly through the influence of Mitch Georgiades, who kicked two goals and dominated aerially with six score involvements in the first quarter alone.

But his impact faded as Essendon’s defensive unit, led by a more composed second-half structure, tightened up delivery inside 50 and restricted his influence.

A highlight for the Bombers came via debutant Saad El-Hawli, who was injected into the game at the final break and made an immediate impact.

The 23-year-old mid-season draftee sparked movement out of the back half and played a role in a Nic Martin goal that helped shift the momentum.

On the other side, Port’s own debutant Tom Cochrane entered the match as a substitute and nearly nailed a difficult set shot in the dying minutes.

The decision to name debutants as subs sparked debate pre-game, with AFL legend Jason Dunstall calling for a rule change to ensure first-gamers start on the field, labelling the current system “rubbish”.

Despite the scrappy nature of the match, the win was vital for Essendon’s season and a timely reminder of their ability to respond under pressure.

It also halted Port’s strong recent record at Marvel, where they had won 11 of their past 12 games prior to Thursday night.

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