Essendon vs. Gold Coast Match Update: Suns Dominate Dons in Last Quarter

Essendon fans came to Marvel Stadium hoping for a glimpse into the future. For three quarters, they would have loved what they saw. Brad Scott’s young Bombers were plucky and brave but when push came to shove they tossed aside by a Gold Coast team that moved a step closer to a maiden finals campaign with victory by 41 points – 18.7 (115) to 11.8 (74).

The Bombers did a lot right, staying within a kick of their more seasoned rivals for three quarters only to be blown away in the final term when the Suns booted all six goals.

These are tough times for the red and black faithful, who have not tasted finals success since 2004, but the Dons are in for the long haul.

The Bombers won’t have four points as affirmation they are on the right track. Instead, they can draw heart from the performances of their brightest young stars Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako, and mid-season recruit Archer May.

Caddy kicked three goals, all in the first half. His high marking and long-range kicking is reminiscent of a young Charlie Curnow.

Kako played one of the best games of his short career, registering a career-best 17 disposals, 12 of which came in the first half.

May, the son of Dermott Brereton’s partner, imposed himself in the third term with three goals in the space of four minutes in the third quarter. His aggression at the contest can complement Caddy’s ability for the freakish.

Zach Merrett will push hard for three votes on Brownlow night with 40 disposals and Sam Durham added aggression with 27 but they need more from the next tier to come through.

Will Setterfield won his duel with Matt Rowell, limiting the star Sun to 15 touches while finding it 22 times himself.

The Bombers’ depleted defence could not stop Gold Coast’s tall timber. Bombers fans will wonder what could have been if Ben McKay and Zach Reid were fit. Ben King bagged four goals and Ethan Read three, but would have most pleased Damien Hardwick with their willingness to bring the ball to ground when out of position.