Essendon faced off against Adelaide on a bright Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking a significant matchup in the AFL season. With both teams seeking to establish themselves early, the Crows aimed for a win at the venue for the first time since 2017, when they triumphed over Carlton.
Despite a shaky start filled with fumbles and missed disposals, the game quickly intensified. Sam Draper kicked the first goal for Essendon just 30 seconds into the match, showing promise for the home side. Draper’s skillful snap from 30 out was met with cheers from the fans, but the Bombers would soon find themselves under pressure.
Adelaide responded remarkably, showcasing a polished, well-orchestrated game. The Crows’ delivery from the midfield proved effective as Darcy Fogarty and Ben Keays put points on the board. The turning point came when Tom Edwards, a debutant for Essendon, made a significant impact by kicking a goal with his very first touch in the AFL. Such moments can set careers on fire, and for Edwards, it was a dream come true after joining the Bombers just weeks before. He expressed immense gratitude post-game, attributing his motivation to his family and the support he received.
As Adelaide struck with relentless energy, they achieved four consecutive goals, taking a solid lead and displaying more class across the field. The scoreboard reflected this momentum with Adelaide leading 4.4 (28) against Essendon’s 2.2 (14) at the 21-minute mark of the first quarter. The Crows’ players, including Josh Rachele and Wayne Milera, contributed with stellar kicking and precise marking, making life difficult for Essendon’s defensive line.
Adelaide maintained their composure throughout the first quarter, picking targets carefully rather than lumping the ball into contests—an area where Essendon faltered, often trying to bomb the ball into the forward line with lackluster results. It was a stark contrast in approach and execution, highlighting the difference in how the teams were playing, and it had the effect of boosting Adelaide fans' spirits while leaving Bombers supporters concerned.
A moment of silence was observed before the game in memory of Essendon’s VFL coach Dale Tapping, who tragically passed away the previous month, serving as a poignant reminder of the human aspect of sports and the community it engenders. Tapping’s legacy is remembered fondly by the players and fans alike.
As the game progressed, not only were fans treated to riveting football but also engaging storylines, particularly the performance of newcomers like Edwards, whose journey to this point is inspiring for many young athletes.
Essendon’s execution on the field began to falter further as they could not replicate the same effectiveness as their opponents. This slow start worried fans, who'd expected a stronger challenge from a side that was keen on showing resilience early in the season. The previously sporadic goals were contrasted heavily with Adelaide’s fluid offense, demonstrating their capability to capitalize on more opportunities.
The stakes heightened where the result of this match was not merely about points; it was about legacy and setting a tone for the remainder of the season. Adelaide’s last victory at MCG was nearly eight years prior, something they were intent on changing. This underpinned their performance as they relentlessly pressed forward, seeking to break their long-standing hoodoo at the ground.
As the game moved into the latter stages of the first half, Essendon had to go back to basics. This involved not only recovering offensively but also sharpening their defensive structures to contain the growing challenges posed by Adelaide. The job was cut out for them, as neither Langford nor Ridley were present to steady the ship after suffering injuries in the preceding match against Hawthorn. Their absence was felt as the team scrambled to find rhythm.
The response from Essendon became evident as the midfield began to find more synergy, but this was not enough to make a substantial dent into the confidence of the Crows, who kept widening the gap. Goals poured in from players like Milera, showcasing Adelaide's multi-dimensional attack whilst the Bombers struggled to find a second avenue.
By the conclusion of the first half, the scoreboard read Adelaide 5.8 (38) leading Essendon 2.4 (16). This prompted conversations among pundits and fans alike, many noting how crucial it would be for Essendon to rally during halftime. An impactful conversation led by captain Zach Merrett seemed essential to reinstating some confidence in a side that needed it desperately.
Throughout this tangible esports theatre, every touch, tackle, and point mattered, eloquently tied to a broader narrative of determination and expectations falling upon Adelaide’s shoulders as they sought to break a streak of misfortune. Each moment they utilized—like capitalizing on Essendon’s errors—was indicative of a squad on a mission.
As the second half kicked off, fortunes continued to tilt towards Adelaide as they applied enduring pressure. Goals by Fortigty and Keays cemented their stronghold, with their defensive line holding firm against any Essendon advances. The ultimate score may establish pecking orders for both teams in this already competitive league.
As the clock ticked down into the final minutes, supporters from both camps were left to ponder the future aspirations of their squads. For Essendon, the game posed questions about adaptability and crucial lineup choices, particularly in light of the season's long run, while Adelaide served as a reminder of their clout and resources to naively suggest they could fight for finals contention.
The game, echoing with joy from the Crows camp and saw disappointment from the Bombers, was a telling measure of early-season form, highlighting every inch covered would play into the greater narrative of resilience for Essendon and revived hopes for Adelaide fans in 2025. Indeed, Saturdays do provide both thrill and heartaches, affirming the love for football under the Australian sun, a theater where new stories and legacies are scripted week in and week out.
