Two-metre Peter, that being Peter Wright, drills a long bomb, but Fox Footy cameras appear to have shown Tristan Xerri wiping blood from his nose on Essendon skipper Andrew McGrath. Xerri will almost certainly be in trouble for that. Stay tuned.
There’s been a fait bit of emotion in this term, a skirmish breaking out after Nate Caddy wins a free kick for a high hit by Toby Pink. Caddy then stood over Pink, prompting several Kangaroos to rush in and defend their teammate. It’s on here! Caddy, however, misses the set shot from a tight angle.
Fox Footy commentator Garry Lyon summed it up: “These teams hate each - historically.”
Ruckman Tristan Xerri gets in on the act, complete with a blood nose. Xerri goals, extending the Roos’ lead to 15 points. It’s a worrying time here for the Bombers. They need to respond.
North Melbourne lead 6.2 (38) to 3.5 (23)
Essendon fans will be a lot happier with their team’s effort this week. They lack polish, and their defensive structure isn’t flash, but their endeavour is high. North needed that goal from Nick Larkey. You feel they have another gear to go to if Essendon’s effort lapses, but they need to hold their nerve, absorb Essendon’s best and cash in later.
The Kangaroos are moving the ball well - and directly. This time it’s Duursma who prospers on the lead, giving the Roos a nine-point lead with just under 15 minutes left in the second term.
Kangaroos skipper Nick Larkey returns fire, leading to left half-forward and converting with a fine set shot. He now has 11.1 for the season. The Bombers, meanwhile, have sent Kako into the midfield.
Cult hero Nate Caddy marks on his knees just inside 50 at left half-forward. The high-flying forward then drills it home – and turns to the crowd to let his feelings be known. The Bombers lead by three points.
Zach Merrett has had only two disposals to quarter-time, each a handball. That the Bombers only trail by three points shows others have stepped up, Caldwell with nine.
Isaac Kako marks on the lead and goals, delivering a key major for the Bombers to snap the Kangaroos’ three-goal run. Kako has Bomber fans up on their feet.
The quarter-time siren rings, and the Kangaroos hold a three-point edge. This has been fun to watch - so far.