Round 5, 2026
Essendon vs Melbourne
Saturday 11 April
Venue: Adelaide Oval
Attendance: 38,006
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 3.5 | 6.8 | 12.9 | 17.11.113 |
| Melbourne | 3.1 | 8.2 | 9.5 | 10.8.68 |
Essendon win by 45 points
Goalkickers: Kysaiah Pickett 2, Kade Chandler 1, Bayley Fritsch 1, Max Gawn 1, Harvey Langford 1, Brody Mihocek 1, Latrelle Pickett 1, Harry Sharp 1, Tom Sparrow 1
Milestones:
250 games
Jake Melksham
Statistical categories led:
Biggest loss at Adelaide Oval
Brownlow Medal votes:
TBD
Coaches votes:
1 - Max Gawn
After a surprise win against top of the ladder Gold Coast a week earlier, Melbourne travelled to Adelaide Oval for their 'Gather Round' match against a side that had lost a club record equalling 17 consecutive games. Despite an early ankle injury to Jake Melksham in his 250th game, Melbourne overcame a slow start to lead by 19 points during the second quarter. Essendon then kicked 12 of the next 13 goals to run out comfortable winners.
It was Melbourne's third loss against the Bombers in a Gather Round game at Adelaide Oval.
Best were Kysaiah Pickett, Jack Steele, and Max Gawn. Jake Lever was fined $1000 for striking. Christian Salem also injured his ankle.
Links
Demonblog match review
Media
afl.com.au - 11/04/2026