Australian Football Association of North America

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

ESS         5.0   7.4   10.6   14.9 (93)
ALL STARS   1.2   4.2    5.6    6.7 (43)

GOALS: ESS - Lucas 4, Johns 3, Hird 2, Davey, Houli, Jetta, Monfries, Stanton; ALL-STARS - Krakouer 2, McLeod 2, Davey, Motlop
BEST: ESS - Fletcher, Lucas, Watson, McVeigh, Hislop, McPhee, Cole; ALL-STARS - McLeod, Egan, Pearce, Krakouer, White
UMPIRES: Margetts, Stevic, Grun, Chamberlain
CROWD: 13,119 TIO Stadium, Darwin

Essendon belied its 2006 15th place finish with a stunning upset over the previously undefeated All-Stars. The Bombers got off to a flying start with goals to Johns, Lucas, and Monfries before Aaron Davey finally slotted through the only first term goal for the All-Stars while the Bombers added two more to lead by 22 points at 1/4 time.

The Bombers dominated the second term, with Johns and Lucas exposing a lack of height in the All-Star defense and giving Docker Grover and Bomber teammate Lovett-Murray the runaround. The All-Stars did manage to outscore the Bombers 3 goals to two for the term, but still trailed by 20 points at 1/2 time.

The Bombers held sway through out the third term with 3 goals to one to lead by 30 points at 3/4 time and kicked another four goals to the All-Stars' one in the final term to run out comfortable winners.

It was Essendon's first win since Round 17 last year and Coach Kevin Sheedy was quite pleased with the performance of his side. All-Star coach Michael McLean said too many turnovers cost his side but admitted Essendon had also outplayed his team.

For the Bombers, Fletcher was a standout in defense with his spoiling and rebounding runs and was ably assisted by Mal Michael, while new Bomber Alwyn Davey, showed older brother Aaron isn't the only one in the family with talent. Young Tasmanian recruit showed great courage and run as did McPhee. Others to impress were ex-Magpie Richard Cole and second year players Sam Lonergan and Heath Hocking. McVeigh and Watson were prolific ballwinners through the middle. Lachlan McKinnon did well in the ruck while Bachar Houli kicked a goal with his first kick and then had a go in defense.

Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com