Former coach Terry Wallace says the capacity of Essendon to refine its all-out attack and match opponent’s midfield muscle will decide the club’s fate in 2018.
Despite adding playmakers Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad in a busy trade period, the Bombers failed to address a lack of midfield muscle in the wake of Jobe Watson’s retirement.
While talented, the midfield lacks grunt given the likes of Zach Merrett, David Zaharkis, Dyson Heppell, Darcy Parish and Brendon Goddard aren’t pure contested ball winners.
“I think that as exciting as they are, good, strong, tough and physical sides through the middle of the ground might still bash them up,” Wallace told SEN’s The Run Home.
“They’re not big.
“If they get hold of you they’ll kick some big scores but if its tough and hard, can they match it?
“That’s my biggest concern.
“They’ve got to go out and find the next Patrick Cripps and Clayton Oliver.”
Doing so at the draft will be difficult given the Bombers first pick is not until 48.
After winning 12 games last season to reach finals for the first time since 2014, Wallace highlighted three players needing to lift.
Former first-round draft picks Jayden Laverde, Kyle Langford and Aaron Francis are looking for breakout years.
“They haven’t got much out of those three guys yet,” he said.
Despite Heppell suggesting Cale Hooker would again spend a season up forward, Wallace believes Stringer’s arrival means the team would be best served palying Hooker next to star defender Michael Hurley in defence.
“I think they’ll be too big if he plays forward so it’s a great chance to push him back,” he said.
“I also think they are going to be one of the better sides to watch throughout the course of the year.
“There’s certainly some excitement been created.”
To listen to Terry's entire Essendon list analysis click below