Bombers in the top four, Magpies could be out of the eight

On an overcast night, both clubs entered this game under clouds.

Essendon’s top four credentials were under question and there was a fear that they would run out of legs as they did last season. This night allayed both those apprehensions.

They were too careful early and the Magpies jumped them, but they picked up the pace and controlled the rest of the game.

Collingwood kicked the last three goals to flatter themselves; what was truly telling was an almost scoreless third quarter. The Bombers were especially strong at stoppages, were better than Collingwood at laying and breaking tackles, and in the live part of the game, took a string of intercept marks. Collingwood had begun to looked like a team that had stretched their luck – and list – too far.

This night reinforced it. After scrambling into the top four, they’re now at risk of tumbling out of the eight altogether. The three losses at the start of the season now come back to bite them doubly.

Caddy coming of (football) age

Nate Caddy was far from the best player on the ground. But in just his third game, he showed that he has size, speed and smarts to be long-term proposition for the Bombers. His versatility gave them a sharper edge in attack.

Sidebottom best for the Pies

Collingwood’s best player on the night was Steele Sidebottom. Stationed in defence, he ran the game like a quarter-back. But his performance was bitter-sweet. At 33 and after 324 games, he is the glorious past, not the future that is suddenly cloudy. Scott Pendlebury, his partner-in-arms these past 15 years or so, has always been slow, but for the first time is starting to look it.