Overview

• Essendon defeated Sydney 11.5 (71) to 8.15 (63) in Round 9 at Marvel Stadium, improving their record to 5-3 and entering the AFL top eight.
• Sydney's six 50m penalties, including three in the opening quarter, helped Essendon build an early lead that proved decisive.
• Essendon's captain, Zach Merrett, is under Match Review Officer scrutiny after a high shot on Nick Blakey, who underwent a concussion test.
• Bomber debutant Lewis Hayes suffered a suspected serious knee injury late in the third quarter, casting uncertainty over his immediate future.
• Sydney, now 3-6 under new coach Dean Cox, struggled with goal-kicking accuracy, scoring 15 behinds despite a 61-45 inside-50 advantage.