Essendon has notched its first win of the 2025 AFL season with a dramatic 12-point comeback victory over Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night. In a tense contest where the Bombers trailed at every change, a relentless final-quarter surge saw them overrun the Power and secure the points.
Essendon 9.18 (72) def. Port Adelaide 8.12 (60)
The win was a much-needed morale boost for the Bombers, who had shown glimpses of promise in the opening two rounds but had failed to register a win. Captain Zach Merrett led from the front with a commanding 34-disposal performance, driving Essendon’s midfield and setting the tone with his work rate and leadership.
Essendon’s inaccuracy in front of goal looked like it might cost them dearly — they registered 18 behinds — but their superior contested possession count (122 to 94) and relentless forward pressure ultimately broke Port Adelaide down in the final term.
“We were disappointed not to have won one earlier, but the boys stuck to the plan and brought the pressure all night,” Merrett said post-match.
The game saw the exciting debut of Saad El-Hawli, who was subbed on in the final quarter and immediately made an impact. His dash off half-back and link-up play helped set up a pivotal goal during Essendon’s game-winning run of four unanswered majors in the final term.
Port Adelaide, who came into the match with a 1–1 record, looked composed early. Mitch Georgiades was a standout in the first half, kicking two goals and taking a spectacular mark in the second quarter. However, his influence waned as the Bombers tightened up defensively.
The Power’s struggles were typified by the inconsistent performance of Jason Horne-Francis, who managed only eight disposals in the first half and attracted criticism for his body language. Though he momentarily lifted with a highlight-reel goal in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough to halt Essendon’s momentum.
“We just didn’t win enough contests late,” said Port coach Ken Hinkley, who now faces questions about the team’s depth and consistency.
The match drew 25,114 fans and will be remembered as a turning point for the Bombers’ season — and potentially a warning sign for a Port Adelaide outfit expected to contend in 2025.
