Midfielder Jye Caldwell was madly trying to put a body on emerging Crows star Jake Soligo during that late scramble but backed the umpire’s call not to ping Draper.
“I’m going to say ‘no’ (free kick) because it’s my team,” said Caldwell, who shone with his two-way midfield run, collecting 26 disposals and 10 tackles.
“The umpires have to be consistent with it, but it’s pretty hard for them in that pressure situation.
“When you’re fighting in your defensive-50, trying to not let them score a goal, it’s pretty nerve-wracking.
“But those are the moments you want to be in. If you grab those moments, you build such good connection and trust late in games.”
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The Bombers enter their Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood riding a two-game winning streak and feeling they owe the Magpies one after last year.
“We probably should have won last year, being up by 29 points at three-quarter-time,” Caldwell said.
“It’s a six-day break, so we don’t have long for it.
Scott, gearing up to coach his second Essendon-Collingwood April 25 clash, says the marquee fixture is as big as a major final.
“Anzac Day is an unbelievable privilege, it’s a unique game,” he said. “I knew it was huge, but last year I was blown away.
“I’ve been really fortunate in my AFL life to be a part of some really big games and finals and grand finals. Anzac Day is out on its own.”
“We’re privileged to be able to put ourselves in a finals-like atmosphere, at round seven against the reigning premier. What an opportunity.”
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