Essendon finally silence doubters with dominant Collingwood victory

One key Collingwood name was front of mind as Essendon finally silenced some critics with a key victory over the AFL premiers.

Nick Daicos finally had his colours lowered on Friday night as Essendon produced the victory the AFL world had been demanding.

While the Bombers came into the huge MCG clash in the top four, they were still facing widespread doubts about their ability to make an impact in September.

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Brad Scott’s team went a long way towards silencing some of those doubters with an impressive 13.14 (92) to 12.8 (80) victory over the reigning premiers.

Essendon hadn’t beaten a side inside the top eight this season, with some of their nine wins prior to Friday night coming against the likes of West Coast twice, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda and Hawthorn.

The Bombers’ defeats, meanwhile, came against flag fancies Sydney and Carlton, along with finals aspirants Geelong, Port Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

Essendon kept Nick Daicos quiet on the night. Photos: Getty Images/News Corp

With Essendon trailing by 15 points at quarter-time, those doubters were clearing their voices once again, but the Dons wrestled back control and kicked 11 goals to seven the rest of the way for a deserved 12-point win.

The final margin even flattered a Collingwood side that is now in real danger of slipping out of the top eight by the end of the round.

Late in the final term, commentator Brian Taylor declared this was the victory the Bombers had to have.

“What a game the Bombers have played here tonight,” Taylor said.

“It looked nervous for them in the first quarter when (Jack) Crisp kicked three consecutive goals.

“Since that quarter-time break, they really have knuckled down and owned it and stuck to their structure and played the way Brad Scott has wanted.

“This is their first real big scalp. Many have said they’ve played the lower teams and won, but they needed to win this one tonight.

“Not only for themselves and their belief. But to prove to everyone in the footy world they can do it.”

Sam Durham took the points in his battle with Nick Daicos. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Daicos, who came into the night as the Brownlow Medal favourite, still stacked the stat sheet with 31 disposals, 12 clearances and three tackles.

But there was no doubt he failed to have his usual influence against a Bombers outfit that had a plan for the gun midfielder.

Opposition fans took particular delight when Daicos was pinged for holding the ball late in the game when he took the Sherrin over the sideline surrounded by three Bombers.

Sam Durham kept Daicos quiet, with the star Pie kicking at just 42 per cent efficiency for the match.

“He had a tag, he was dealing with Durham in the first half, and he wasn’t as dangerous with his disposals,” Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy post-match.

“He kicked sideways a lot. One tackle. He wasn’t alone tonight, but it wasn’t the damaging Nick Daicos we usually see.”

Plenty watching on felt that was the key to Essendon’s clutch victory.

“Stop Nick Daicos and they are average,” was one comment on X.

“Nick Daicos has a quiet one, Pies get beat,” wrote another.

“Stop Nick Daicos and Collingwood are crap,” stated a third continuing the theme.

Zach Merrett (left) led the way for the Bombers. Photo: Michael Klein

Another player considered a Brownlow fancy is Essendon captain Zach Merrett.

With 30 disposals, six marks, five clearances, a goal and 474m gained, Merrett likely banked himself another three votes on Friday night.

His performance caught the attention of plenty of fans.

One wrote on X: “Give Merrett a damn lifetime contract. Playing his damn heart out.”

Another posted: “I reckon Zach Merrett is a decent chance for the All-Australian captaincy this year. Having an absolute blinder of a season.”

A third wrote: “A Captain Obvious tweet, I know, but Zach Merrett is a sensational footballer. One of the players I most enjoy watching.”

And another decided simply: “I’ve seen enough. Zach Merrett > Nick Daicos.”

The Bombers face Melbourne at the MCG next Saturday, while the Pies will aim to bounce back in a huge Friday night showdown with Geelong.

Originally published as Essendon finally silence doubters with dominant Collingwood victory