'The Package' delivers: Bombers edge past Saints in thriller

Jake Stringer celebrates a goal during Essendon's clash against St Kilda in round three, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos
JAKE Stringer has done it again, the 'Package' delivering another victory for Essendon by kicking the winning goal as the Bombers overran St Kilda by four points.

St Kilda led by just seven points at three-quarter time, but had recorded seven more scoring shots and left the door wide open for Essendon, which dominated the last quarter to win 10.11 (71) to 9.13 (67) at Marvel Stadium.

BOMBERS v SAINTS Full match coverage and stats

It was a case of death by 1000 cuts for the Saints (and arguably for Essendon fans, too), the Bombers kicking 2.6 to 1.1 in the last term.

It'd been a shoddy first half on the skills front, but the Bombers finally clicked into gear in the final 15 minutes, flicking the ball around with ease until Stringer finally gave his side the lead for the first time in the game, with six minutes left on the clock.

Stringer seizes the moment with a massive match-winner

Jake Stringer scores the game’s decisive goal after unleashing a sensational set shot

Skipper Zach Merrett had 10 disposals in the first half but worked his way into the game beautifully to help guide his side home with 12 last-quarter touches, along with Andy McGrath in a sweeping role off half-back.

St Kilda moved the ball from end to end with far too much ease in the first half – relatively stress-free viewing for its fans, while Bombers supporters would have been frustrated with the sheer number of times Saints players danced around their opponents.

Jack Higgins picked up from last week's four-goal haul with another three, looking very dangerous at ground level and relishing the space afforded to him.

Last two mins: Bombers leave it late to sink Saints

The thrilling final moments between Essendon and St Kilda in round three

The Bombers had struggled with their connection moving up the field for most of the match, often getting caught in St Kilda's zone defense and battling to find a mark across half-forward in the absence of Peter Wright (suspension).

The standards fell at the tail end of the second quarter; and both teams lost their composure, leading to wild, panicked choices and skill execution.

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