Essendon has achieved a thrilling eight-point victory over Sydney in a rollercoaster match at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The Bombers, led by a sensational performance from Zach Reid, kicked off the game with a bang, scoring their first three goals from 50-metre penalties, setting the tone for an exciting showdown.
Essendon surged to a commanding 39-point lead by halftime, marking their biggest halftime advantage since Round 10, 2021. However, the Swans, refusing to back down, mounted a fierce comeback, ultimately falling short with a final score of 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63).
Despite their valiant effort, Sydney's inaccuracy proved to be their downfall, as they recorded 11 behinds from 17 scoring shots in the second half. Aaron Francis, in particular, had a shocking miss from the goal square that left fans and commentators shaking their heads. “Sydney will rue their missed opportunities,” said former player Jonathan Brown, highlighting the Swans' struggles in front of goal.
Defender Nick Blakey was also forced off the field after taking a blow to the face from Essendon captain Zach Merrett, who commented post-match, “I thought I tapped all ball – I was about to kick the goal. I haven’t seen it, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”
In a heartbreaking twist for the Bombers, debutant Lewis Hayes suffered a knee injury late in the third term, casting a shadow over what had been a promising debut. The 20-year-old key defender, who had replaced the injured Jordan Ridley, had collected 16 disposals in just 67 percent game time before his unfortunate exit. Coach Brad Scott expressed concern post-match, indicating that they were “almost certain” it was an ACL rupture.
On the other side, Reid was a standout for Essendon, finishing with a career-high 27 disposals, 14 marks, and eight intercepts. His performance was pivotal in helping the Bombers control the airways and limit the Swans to just eight goals. “Sensational first half in a lot of aspects of the game … they’ve been able to get that extra number behind the play,” Brown praised, emphasizing Reid's impact on the match.
As the game progressed, Sydney struggled to find their rhythm, trailing by 39 points at halftime. They recorded 78 fewer disposals than Essendon and were outclassed in almost every statistical category, including uncontested possessions and marks. “This is what Sydney are doing (defensively) — they’re retreating, and they’re dying,” Brown critiqued their defensive structure.
However, the Swans made a spirited effort in the second half, with a surge that saw them kick three unanswered goals in the final quarter, narrowing the deficit to just 15 points with ten minutes remaining. Will Hayward's goal brought the margin to single digits, but time was against them. Despite their strong finish, it was too little, too late.
Essendon’s victory marks their fifth win of the season, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure and maintain composure in tight situations. “Questions were being asked about Zach Reid — ‘where does he sit?’ — well, he is the prototype for a centre-half back; 200 centimetres plus, can mark it in the air, can use it,” David King noted, further solidifying Reid's status as a key player for the Bombers.
The match also highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Swans, who now sit at 3-6 for the season. Coach Dean Cox faces pressing questions about the team's structure and culture, especially after the dismal first-half performance. “Talk about ‘Bloods culture’ — we haven’t seen enough of that today,” Brown lamented, pointing to a lack of discipline and urgency from the Sydney players.
As the game concluded, the crowd of 43,799 at Marvel Stadium was treated to a thrilling spectacle, filled with moments of brilliance and heartbreak. The Bombers will look to build on this victory as they head into the next round, while Sydney must regroup and address their issues if they hope to salvage their season.
In summary, the match was a testament to Essendon’s resilience and a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Swans. With both teams having much to play for as the season progresses, fans can expect more exciting clashes in the weeks to come.
