In a thrilling and heartbreaking encounter at Marvel Stadium, Essendon Bombers suffered a devastating one-point loss to the Gold Coast Suns, which has severely impacted their chances of making the AFL finals. The match, which ended with a scoreline of 13.9 (87) to 12.14 (86) in favor of the Suns, was marked by Essendon’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities in the final term, kicking a wasteful 1.9 as they struggled to put the game beyond reach.
The Bombers appeared to be in control during the closing stages but were ultimately undone by their own inefficiency in front of goal. Despite dominating the final quarter, they left the door open for the Suns, who seized their chance in dramatic fashion. With just 20 seconds remaining, Gold Coast’s Mac Andrew took a crucial mark inside 50, then coolly slotted the goal after the final siren to secure a famous victory for his side—their first away win of the season.
The loss is a significant blow for Essendon, who were looking to consolidate their position in the top eight. Instead, they now find themselves outside the finals spots, facing an uphill battle with challenging games against Sydney and Brisbane in the coming weeks. Essendon’s captain, Zach Merrett, was among the best for the Bombers, collecting 32 disposals and leading from the front, but it was not enough to overcome their missed opportunities and crucial turnovers throughout the game.
For the Suns, the victory keeps their faint finals hopes alive. Mac Andrew was the hero of the night, finishing with four goals, while Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell were instrumental in the midfield, helping to keep Gold Coast in the contest despite Essendon’s pressure. The match was not without controversy, as a brawl erupted at halftime involving players from both sides, setting the tone for a fiercely contested second half.
As the season nears its conclusion, Essendon will need a near-miracle to make the finals, while Gold Coast will look to build on this momentum in their final matches against Melbourne and Richmond.
