Former Essendon captain Tim Watson has identified his former club’s biggest concern heading into 2018, and he believes it is big enough for people to cool on the hype surrounding the Bombers.
John Worsfold’s men have been engulfed in positivity over the offseason, a welcome change from the negativity that has poisoned the club throughout the ASADA saga.
After making the finals last season, the Dons brought in a trio of big name recruits in Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad.
However, Watson thinks it doesn’t fix their major issue in the guts.
“I think this hype around Essendon is overstated,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I still think they’re going to be deficient in the midfield. I don’t think they’ve got enough absolute super talent in their midfield, and depth in their midfield, to go with the best.
“They lowered their colours many times last year. They’ve got enough talent to make the eight, but I’m not saying they’re a lock for the eight.”
Despite trying to lower the expectations around the club, the three-time premiership player conceded he does understand why the Bombers have received so much hype.
“There is a lot of excitement around Essendon because the real emergence of Joe Daniher last year, his superstar potential,” Watson said.
“Then Jake Stringer coming to the club with Smith and Saad. You have other young players that have been starting to rise to the top in Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Orazio Fantasia really starting to blossom.
“There is a lot of excitement around that team.”
Essendon begins their 2018 campaign against Adelaide on Friday March 23.