Some thunderstorms around Darwin looks like it will continue throughout the evening with wet conditions sometime during the game. Looking forward to this since September 2nd last year.
ESSENDON:
Scott Lucas 2, Courtney Johns 2, Angus Monfries, Bachar Houli, Leroy Jetta
INDIGENOUS ALL STARS:
Andrew Krakouer 2, Aaron Davey, Andrew McLeod
Live report - quarter 1
It is a very warm night in Darwin with the extreme humidity sure to take its toll on the players as the night unfolds. Some rain is expected later in the evening. Essendon has gone in as selected.
Essendon win the ball out of the centre at the first bounce. Brent Stanton kicks to Jason Johnson who finds Courtney Johns. Johns kicks truly from 40m out.
Some terrific defensive running from Jason Winderlich ensures a midfield turnover. Sam Lonergan finds Scott Lucas with an excellent kick who gets a 50m penalty and goals.
The Bombers are continually pushing the ball forward and it pays dividend again when Angus Monfries collects a ball near the point post and he kicks a clever goal from the boundary line.
Aaron Davey marks on a very tight angle 35m out from goal and kicks a superb goal.
Sam Lonergan - who has had an exceptional start to the game - win a hard ball in the midfield and finds Lucas who kicks his second from 40m out. It has been an excellent start from the Bombers.
Scott Lucas marks and goals again before Leroy Jetta finds Courtney Johns with a superb pass and he kicks his second for the quarter.
Live report - quarter 2
The Indigenous side draws first blood in the second quarter when Andrew Krakouer receives a free kick and goals from 15m out.
Essendon quickly replies when Jobe Watson wins a hard ball in the forward line and dishes off to Bachar Houli who runs into an open goal.
Some Andrew McLeod magic pulls back the 24-point margin with a brilliant goal from the forward pocket.
The All Stars pull back another goal when Andrew Krakouer receives a free kick for a high tackle 15m out from goal. he kicks his second.
Essendon has let itself down in front of goal this quarter with both Hird and Houli missing very easy goals.
Leroy Jetta gets the Bombers back on track when he gets on the end of a string of handballs and kicks a superb running goal from 35m out directly in front.
It has been a superb half of football from Essendon in trying conditions. The most exciting thing for Essendon fans is that much of it has been generated by an emerging brigade of quick and skillful midfielders.
Live report - quarter 3
Andrew McLeod is hit with a pinpoint pass from Darryl White and the All Stars skipper kicks truly.
The Bombers answer immediately through Scott Lucas who gathers a crumb in the goal square to kick his third.
Essendon extends its lead to 25-points after James Hird marks and gets a 50m penalty. He goals from 25m out.
Deep in the third quarter Essendon's lead extends to 30 points after Scott Lucas centres the ball and Brent Stanton takes a superb overhead mark 20m out from goal. He splits the middle and Essendon look to be in control.
