Essendon‘s struggles to begin the 2022 season have been encapsulated in a bizarre gaffe from fullback James Stewart in a loss to the Brisbane Lions.
After being smacked last weekend, Essendon came out well but were dominated in the final three quarters as the Lions ran out 15. 7. (97) to 10. 15. (75) winners.
The match was placed on a knife’s edge in the third quarter when Lions forward Zac Bailey snapped a ball in congestion towards the goal.
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Essendon looked to be in position to clear the ball, with Stewart and fellow defender Jayden Laverde in the vicinity. However, Stewart’s half-hearted effort chasing back towards his own goal saw the ball bounce through.
The on-field call was a goal, one which was confirmed moments later by the ARC as replays showed Stewart had failed to get a finger on the ball before it dribbled through.
“What is he doing?” Saints icon Nick Riewoldt asked while on commentary for Fox Footy.
“Did he think it was touched off the boot? He must of and then, I don’t know was he nervous about rushing it? I’m trying to buy excuses here.
“The way he was approaching the ball, he’s clearly just had a brain explosion.
“He hasn’t just missed it. He’s had a meltdown.”
“Either he’s the coolest player in the competition or he’s made an absolute meal of it,” Riewoldt’s co-commentator, Melbourne great Garry Lyon, added.
“I can’t work that one out. Context – massive. I’m going brain fade right now until we hear otherwise.
“Essendon supporters have fallen off their seats!”
Stewart’s brain-snap allowed the Lions to extend their lead to 18 points, and Chris Fagan’s side would eventually run out comfortable winners as the Bombers were left to rue their inaccuracy in front of goal.
Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale was at his scintillating best, finishing with 41 disposals and two goals.
The 0-2 Bombers’ season could already be over with a match-up against the reigning premiers Melbourne on the horizon next week, while Brisbane host North Melbourne.