Essendon’s bleak 2026 rolls on as small MCG crowd watches another Freo win

Fremantle secured a commanding 43-point victory over Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, extending their winning streak with a 16.8 (104) to 8.13 (61) scoreline. Patrick Voss was the standout player, kicking five goals against his former club and playing a pivotal role in Fremantle’s dominance. Essendon struggled throughout the match, notably failing to score in the second quarter, while the MCG hosted a sparse crowd of just 25,100 fans, marking one of the lowest home attendances for the Bombers in three decades. The match unfolded under wet and challenging conditions, with Fremantle quickly establishing control by scoring three goals in the opening four minutes. Essendon’s only goal in the first half came from rising star nominee Sullivan Robey, but the team was plagued by errors, missed tackles, and poor ball handling. Fremantle capitalized on these mistakes, with Isaiah Dudley and Christopher Scerri contributing crucial goals. Despite a spirited quarter-time address from Essendon coach Brad Scott, the Bombers were unable to halt Fremantle’s momentum, trailing by 52 points at halftime. Essendon showed some resilience in the second half, with Archer May and Darcy Parish kicking consecutive goals to reduce the margin temporarily. However, Fremantle maintained their composure and continued to add to their lead, ensuring the Bombers’ late surge was insufficient to close the gap. The Dockers’ victory marked their ninth win of the season, equaling Sydney’s record, and highlighted Essendon’s ongoing struggles in 2026, both on the scoreboard and in attracting fans to the MCG. This result underscores Fremantle’s rising form and Essendon’s challenges as they seek to rebuild and improve their competitiveness. The low attendance at the MCG also reflects broader concerns about fan engagement amid the Bombers’ difficult season. With Fremantle continuing to build momentum, the Dockers have positioned themselves as serious contenders, while Essendon faces mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes.