AFL 2024 round 15 LIVE updates: Bombers stay on top but are rattled by Eagles’ pressure

Bombers by 13 at 3QT

Well, this has set the stage for an enticing final quarter.

Essendon hold their lead at three-quarter time but only by 13 points.

West Coast should really be in front but have been hampered by kicking inaccuracy.

They’ve booted 11.10 this game, to the Bombers’ 14.5, including two late third-quarter behinds that were very gettable from Jack Darling and Oscar Allen.

Jye Caldwell and Zach Merrett lead the disposal count with 20, followed by Sam Durham on 19. Jake Stringer has five goals, while Jake Waterman has three.

Bombers by 13 at 3QT

That’s a season best for Jake Stringer, who has popped through his fifth goal of the afternoon.

Following Xavier Duursma’s settler, the Bombers have established back some buffer room. But they can’t afford to sit back, the Eagles are right in this.

Oscar Allen took a great mark down the other end, but his shot went through for a behind.

Bombers by 14

A few concerns starting to emerge here for Essendon, who appear a little rattled.

They can’t stop the Eagles transition from defence and Allen is becoming dangerous up forward.

West Coast have kicked five goals to three goals in this quarter, after Xavier Duursma just registered another.

The crowd is quiet and nervous. Sam Durham is the shining light for Essendon this quarter.

Bombers by 10

Jack Petruccelle is on the board, and with that goal, the Bombers’ lead just been pulled right back to under a goal.

The Eagles have gotten on top in the contest this second half and ramped up the pressure to force mistakes by Essendon.

You’d think Brad Scott would be starting to sweat in the coaches’ box.

Bombers by 4

Elliot Yeo earned a free kick for being held by Essendon’s Jayden Laverde, and scored a goal. It could be a pivotal major as it dragged the margin back down to just two-goals.

Bombers by 10

“Is he a good kick or not?“, Dwayne Russel asked in the commentary booth of Bomber Nic Martin.

The backman’s kick hit the post, surprising everyone in the ground, including players who were setting up for another centre bounce.

It was overturned via an automatic review. So, another strike towards perhaps not.

Bombers by 16

Fans at Marvel Stadium would be far from bored.

One second, Archie Perkins is streaming down the side, evading opponents to laser the ball into the hands of Nate Caddy. Caddy, in his second game, gets his second goal of the game after taking a great contested mark.

Then, Jake Waterman does what Jake Waterman does and lights up the other end with his third goal of the game to keep the Eagles right in the game.

Bombers by 15

Oscar Allen has been scratchy in his first game since round one but he is slowly working his way into the game and now has kicked a goal.

He looks dangerous and is the type of player who can take control of the game.

Essendon’s midfield responded with brilliance from Durham surging the ball forward to give Matt Guelfi – who is playing a defensive role on Jeremy McGovern – a chance to kick a goal.

Bombers by 16