CONOR MCKENNA’S ESSENDON are out of the hunt to reach the AFL Grand Final after their 55-point elimination final hammering by West Coast today at Optus Stadium.
After a desperately poor start, the Bombers threatened a comeback in a lively third quarter with back-to-back goals from Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Adam Saad, but West Coast retook control from there.
The spoil went straight into the arms of Cripps! #AFLEaglesDons #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/u6ghxWpDm3
— AFL (@AFL) September 5, 2019
West Coast ran out 116-61 winners and now head to Melbourne next week to face the loser of Friday night’s qualifying final between Collingwood and Geelong, who have Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor in their side.
Luke Shuey led the Eagles charge from midfield, finishing with 34 disposals, eight clearances and three goal assists.
23-year-old Tyrone native McKenna started on the Essendon half-back line and made 18 disposals in addition to catching two marks during the game.
The nature of the season-ending defeat is likely to put pressure on Essendon coach John Worsfold. The losing finals drought for the Bombers dates all the way back to 2004.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
