AFL 2024 round three LIVE updates: Saints fire early but Duursma’s first arrow helps Dons fight back

The Saints have been given a scare and have responded with greater pressure in the midfield and up forward.

That has led to the Saints winning the ball at ground level and Higgins snapping it from close to goal.

He’s had 12 disposals and kicked three goals.

Saints 51, Dons 40 with 15 mins to go in Q3.

The Saints have missed a soccer at goal to start the third term but they are back into dominating possession and field position.

But the Bombers didn’t miss their chance as Kyle Langford ran into an open goal after they exploded out of the backline.

Saints 45, Dons 39 with 18 mins to go in Q3.

St Kilda dominated field position but Essendon kept fighting and rebounding, managing to keep it to two goals each for the quarter.

The Bombers have a lot to do to get on top in this match but they have found a way to stay in the contest.

Jack Higgins looked like he had a lower leg problem in the final minutes, the Saints will need to keep him on the field for the second half.

Nic Martin has 28 possessions at half time.

Harry Jones has made a promising start to this game.

He’s a forward who showed promise in his debut season in 2021 but has not kicked on since.

He’s booted two goals today, both coming from confident marks where he had a run and jump at the ball.

The question on Jones is whether he can still have the same impact if not given the same liberties.

The Saints have had 13 inside 50s to three from Essendon this quarter but they haven’t turned those chances into enough goals.

Meanwhile, Essendon’s Nic Martin already has 25 possessions this match. He could be in for a huge day.

Saints 44, Dons 31 with five mins to go in Q2.

Harry Jones has kicked his second goal and he is doing a great job of trying to fill the shoes of Peter Wright.

Brad Scott said pregame that he thought Jones would take his chance after coming in as a late call-up for Will Setterfield.

He’s been very good so far.

Saints 41, Dons 25 with 13 mins to go in Q2.

Mitch Owens miss-kicked his shot for goal following a mark but the ball still floated into goal.

Owens had a sheepish smile as he celebrated.

Higgins soon had his second moments later after the Saints won the footy from the centre bounce.

Higgins is on today, the Dons need to lock him down.

Saints 41, Dons 19 with 17 mins to go in Q2.

St Kilda fired early but Essendon showed some fight to get back into the contest late in the quarter.

It’s been a lively and attacking start to the match, time will tell if the Saints can run away from the Dons or not.