Bombers Claim Top-Eight Scalp by Stunning Magpies In a thrilling upset, the Essendon Bombers have sent shockwaves through the AFL by defeating the Collingwood Magpies, a top-eight contender. The Bombers’ dominant performance at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night saw them overcome a 26-point deficit to secure a memorable victory. Jake Stringer was the catalyst for Essendon, booting four goals in an outstanding display. Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish were also influential through the midfield, amassing a combined 73 disposals. Collingwood, who entered the match as heavy favorites, were left reeling by the Bombers’ intensity and precision. Jordan De Goey and Brodie Grundy were well-held, while Darcy Moore’s return from injury failed to spark the Magpies. The Bombers started sluggishly, conceding the first three goals of the match. However, they gradually worked their way into the contest, with goals from Dylan Shiel and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti bringing them within striking distance. In the second half, Essendon unleashed their full fury. Stringer kicked three goals in a blistering opening term, while Merrett and Parish controlled the clearances. Collingwood struggled to keep up with the Bombers’ relentless pressure and made uncharacteristic errors. As the final siren sounded, the Bombers had secured a famous 11-point victory, 104-93. The result has thrown the AFL ladder into disarray, with Essendon now sitting just outside the top eight and Collingwood facing questions about their finals credentials. The victory is a testament to the Bombers’ growth under first-year coach Brad Scott. After a disappointing start to the season, Essendon has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and now has a real chance of reaching the finals. For Collingwood, the loss is a major setback. They will need to regroup quickly and find a way to regain their form if they want to make a serious impact in the postseason.Essendon has triumphed over reigning premiers Collingwood in a thrilling 12-point victory at the MCG. Despite a slow start, the Bombers fought back to claim a 13.14 (92) to 12.8 (80) win.Essendon has triumphed over reigning premiers Collingwood in a thrilling 12-point victory at the MCG. Despite a slow start, the Bombers fought back to claim a 13.14 (92) to 12.8 (80) win. Collingwood had a strong opening quarter, scoring five goals to two. However, Essendon took control in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Magpies by 17 points. The Bombers extended their lead to 31 points in the final quarter, but Collingwood fought back with two quick goals. Essendon held on to secure the win, preventing Collingwood from completing a comeback victory. Essendon’s captain, Zach Merrett, led the team with 30 possessions and a goal, while fellow midfielder Jye Caldwell also had 30 disposals and a goal. Ruckman Sam Draper played a strong game for the Bombers, bouncing back after a poor first quarter. Collingwood’s star player, Nick Daicos, had 31 disposals and 12 clearances, but the Essendon defense kept him in check. The victory is a significant boost to Essendon’s aspirations of finishing in the top four this season. The Bombers have not won an AFL final since 2001, and their fans will be hoping that this victory is a sign of things to come. Collingwood, on the other hand, could drop out of the top eight by the end of the round, depending on other results. The Magpies face a crucial clash with Geelong next Friday night.Essendon has upset Collingwood by 20 points in a remarkable upset at the MCG on Friday night. The Bombers, who entered the match as heavy underdogs, kicked the first four goals of the match and never relinquished their lead. Collingwood fought back in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to just four points at the main break, but Essendon again started the third quarter strongly to extend their lead to 21 points. The Magpies rallied again in the final term, but Essendon held on for a famous victory. The win was Essendon’s first over Collingwood since 2017 and lifts them to ninth on the ladder, while Collingwood remains in eighth spot. Darcy Parish was outstanding for the Bombers with 35 disposals and two goals, while Jake Stringer kicked three goals. Brodie Grundy was Collingwood’s best with 43 hit-outs and 17 disposals, while Jordan De Goey kicked two goals. Essendon coach Ben Rutten was thrilled with his team’s performance. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we stuck to our game plan and played with great intensity,” Rutten said. “We’re starting to build something special here at Essendon, and this win is a sign of that.” Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was disappointed with his team’s performance. “We didn’t play with the intensity or the urgency that we needed to,” Buckley said. “Essendon outplayed us in all areas of the ground, and we were lucky to get out of there with only a 20-point loss.”