SCOTT LUCAS BACK FOR FREMANTLE MATCH Scott Lucas will return to senior football with the Bombers for tomorrow night's match against Fremantle. He was chosen to play at centre half-forward.
Dean Rioli was omitted from the side to make way for Lucas. Rioli will play in the reserves because he needs some more match time.
Lucas has been in excellent form recently playing in the VFL, last week kicking seven goals against Richmond. He was also chosen because of his good record against the Dockers. In 1998, he kicked a club record six goals against Fremantle.
JOHN BARNES RETURNS TO ESSENDON When John Barnes parted company with Geelong last year, he was left without a club, and was no certainty to be picked up in the national draft.
But Essendon picked the ruckman in the draft and he will play in the season opener at Colonial Stadium tonight. He played for Essendon in the ruck in the Ansett Cup final against the Kangaroos two weeks ago.
Barnes' career started with the Bombers, but in 1990 he was traded to Geelong. He is excited to be back at the club and eager to show that he still has what it takes.
ESSENDON DEFEAT KANGAROOS IN ANSETT CUP FINAL Final Score:
Essendon defeated the Kangaroos at the MCG to win the 2000 Ansett Cup, their first Ansett Cup since 1994.
The Bombers dominated the match from the opening bounce, and by half time they were leading by 28 points. Whenever the Roos kicked a goal, the Bombers bounced back with even more determination and kicked another goal, wiping out any hope that the Kangaroos had of a revival.
By full time, Essendon had blown the lead out to 41 points. Wayne Carey, usually one of the Roos' best, did not even kick a goal throughout the whole match. Essendon's players outclassed their opposition all over the ground, in defence, in the middle and in the forward line.
Mark Mercuri won the Michael Tuck Medal for best on the ground. He kicked three goals for the match.
March 25, 2000
March 9, 2000
February 26, 2000
Essendon 16.21 117
Kangaroos 11.10 76
