Merrett masterclass lifts Bombers, winless Dees hit 13-year low

Essendon captain Zach Merrett produced a midfield masterclass to guide the Bombers to a convincing 39-point win over a struggling Melbourne outfit on Saturday night, handing the Demons a 0-5 start for the first time since 2012.

In front of 45,039 fans at Adelaide Oval, the Bombers surged away after half-time to seal a 15.6 (96) to 8.9 (57) victory, squaring their season ledger at 2-2 while deepening Melbourne’s early-season crisis.

Merrett collected a game-high 38 disposals, while Dylan Shiel (30 touches) continued his career resurgence and small forward Jye Menzie starred with four goals in a breakout performance.

The Bombers were dealt a blow early with ruckman Nick Bryan subbed out with a suspected knee injury, but Brad Scott’s side remained composed, using slick ball movement and overwhelming uncontested possession (448-354) to control the game as the $1.85 AFL bookmaker favourites.

The Melbourne Demons’ issues were again on full display — inefficient inside-50 entries, lack of composure, and a disjointed forward line. Despite winning the inside-50 count (+8), the Demons could only convert at 33% efficiency compared to Essendon’s 51%.

A five-goal third quarter gave Simon Goodwin’s men a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late.

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The Bombers slammed home five final-quarter goals to Melbourne’s one, with Nic Martin (28 disposals, one goal), Ben Hobbs (20 disposals, two goals), and Mason Redman among those who shone late. Sam Durham also lifted in the closing stages with fierce defensive pressure.

Ed Langdon (25 disposals, one goal) was arguably Melbourne’s best, while Christian Petracca (27 disposals) and Kysaiah Pickett (23 and two goals) tried to spark a comeback. Bayley Fritsch also booted two goals in a short-lived third-quarter rally.

Post-game, Goodwin insisted he was the right man to lead the club out of its current hole. “We’re in a challenging spot right now … I believe I’ve got the credentials to do it,” he said.

Essendon now face West Coast in Perth before a massive ANZAC Day clash with Collingwood, while the Demons face Fremantle next weekend in what looms as a must-win, with the AFL betting sites having them as a $2.36 outsider.

Melbourne Demons v Essendon Bombers final score

Essendon 15.6 (96)
Melbourne 8.9 (57)

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