Mark Robinson says that Essendon’s interest in forward duo Jake Stringer and Devon Smith is misplaced, believing that their acquisitions will not solve the Bombers’ most pressing issue.
The Bulldog and the Giant have reportedly both requested trades to Essendon in the past 24 hours, with Gold Coast speedster Adam Saad also believed to be setting his sights on a move to Windy Hill.
While the Herald Sun chief football writer says the addition of Saad’s pace in defence could be handy for the Bombers, he considers the additions of Stringer and Smith will not help the club’s defensive woes at all, which he believes is the issue that is holding the “exciting” Bombers back from being a premiership contender.
“I think they have got it wrong. I think they have got two of those three wrong if they get them,” Robinson told SEN’s The Run Home.
“If Essendon doesn’t change the way they play, they are not going deep into September anytime soon.
“The game is based on defence… Jake Stringer lays one tackle every two weeks. Devon Smith will take a pot shot from the carpark… (they) are not going to help them defensively whatsoever.”
Robinson branded the Bombers’ interest in Stringer and Smith in particular as “odd,” saying that they aren’t the types of players that will complete Essendon’s premiership puzzle.
“They have talent, but what we saw on the weekend is that talent doesn’t win you footy games. Work ethic wins you footy games,” he said.
“Defensive pressure, all-around pressure, sacrifice, all these things win you premiership.
“Essendon have an issue already with it, not being defensively strong enough, and they go and get three offensive players.”
The AFL Trade Period officially kicks off next Monday.