Round 12, 2006
Essendon vs Melbourne
Sunday 18 June
Venue: Docklands
Attendance: 35,019
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 2.8 | 4.12 | 7.13 | 10.15.75 |
| Melbourne | 2.3 | 5.7 | 12.10 | 16.15.111 |
Melbourne win by 36 points
Goalkickers: Russell Robertson 4, David Neitz 3, Cameron Bruce 2, Lynden Dunn 2, Clint Bartram 1, Aaron Davey 1, Travis Johnstone 1, Phil Read 1, Colin Sylvia 1
Brownlow votes:
3 - Travis Johnstone
2 - Cameron Bruce
1 - James McDonald
Coaches votes:
10 - James McDonald
8 - Travis Johnstone
3 - Nathan Carroll
2 - Brad Green
Milestones:
Nil
Expected to comfortably account for a side who had lost ten games in a row, Melbourne took time to get started at Telstra Dome but played a slashing second half to take home the points. Essendon dominated the first quarter but only registered two goals from 10 scoring shots. Neale Daniher gave his side a ferocious spray at quarter time, and by half time Melbourne was ahead by a point. David Neitz had been beaten early, but moved to centre half-forward to provide a physical presence.
The Bombers kept shooting themselves in the foot with poor kicking for goal. James Hird was clearly restricted with a hamstring injury, but his side managed to eke out an 8 point lead at the first change. Melbourne took a one point lead into the long break.
The third quarter saw Melbourne boot seven goals to three to effectively win the game.
Neale Daniher said: "We played as badly as we could and we were in front at half-time". He said his side was "lucky the Bombers couldn't put us away".'
Best were James McDonald, Brad Green, and Travis Johnstone. Byron Pickett sat out the second half with a corked hip, and Colin Sylvia rolled his right ankle.
Media
Age - 18/06/2006, 19/06/2006
Links
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