Essendon has survived its biggest scare of 2023 by downing West Coast by a solitary point in a thriller at Marvel Stadium.
Meanwhile, Adelaide has enjoyed a similar fate in keeping itself in the hunt for finals. But those hopes for Gold Coast are all but over after a 28-point loss.
With finals on the line and a win the only option, the Bombers gave up a three-goal three quarter time lead as the Eagles hit the lead late in the final term.
Mid-season draftee Ryan Maric nailed the biggest kick of his life when converting from 35 metres out and Essendon was out of the finals race as a result.
But a Darcy Parish clearance, Jye Menzie goal assist and Kyle Langford goal saw Essendon keep its finals hopes alive in the final minute of Saturday afternoon’s clash in the form of a 10.13. (73) to 11.6. (72) win.
The Eagles controlled the footy in the first term and took more than 40 marks before the break in taking the lead at quarter time.
But Brad Scott’s troops hit back in the second term in the form of Langford, who kicked four goals in the quarter.
It was a breakout quarter from Langford who was otherwise quiet, finishing with 13 touches.
None was bigger than the final kick as the Bombers found a way.
Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett starred in the midfield as the Bombers dominated contested possessions and clearances. But it was more relief than joy on the final siren as Scott’s side narrowly avoided becoming the biggest talking point of the weekend.
It’s Essendon’s 10th win for the season. By winning their final three, they can lock themselves into September.
Top 2023 draftee Elijah Tsatas made his long-awaited debut on Saturday and didn’t look out of place at the top level, gathering 14 possessions and six marks.
The 19-year-old was one of three Bombers who squandered great looks in front of goal in the final term to keep West Coast in the contest.
Bu thankfully for Tsatas, Matt Guelfi and Andrew Phillips, Essendon showed traits of a great side by finding a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Over at Adelaide Oval, a first quarter blitz set up what eventuated as a comfortable win for the Crows, who could finish Round 21 in 9th on the ladder.
The Suns have been up and down throughout 2023 and Saturday was no different after last week’s big upset of Brisbane.
The slow start proved costly and while Steven King’s side worked its way back into the game, another hiding in contested footy and clearances didn’t help.
Darcy Fogarty kicked three goals and enjoyed a game-high 10 marks, while Matt Crouch and Rory Laird did the damage through the midfield.
Matthew Nicks’ men did what they needed to do in the final term to ground out the 13.11. (89) to 9.7. (61) victory.
Also with 10 wins, Adelaide’s destiny is in its own hands if it keeps winning.
But the same can’t be said for Gold Coast, who won’t play finals in 2023, another season of falling just short. The Suns remain winless at Adelaide Oval.