Three-time All-Australian Nick Dal Santo has lavished praise on Essendon’s attacking options, declaring he would take their setup ahead of Richmond’s in 2018.
The Bombers overcame a 20-point deficit at three quarter time to overrun Adelaide with a six goal to one final quarter on Friday night and secure a 12-point victory at Etihad Stadium.
Joe Daniher and James Stewart led a balanced spread of goal kickers with three apiece, and Cale Hookers contributed strongly, and Dal Santo told SEN Afternoons their “run and gun” makes opponents nervous.
“I would take Essendon (ahead of Richmond),” he said.
“I look at their forward line Daniher, Hooker, Stewart, (Anthony) McDonald-Tipungwuti, (Devon) Smith and I like (Josh) Begley, and that doesn’t mention (Jake) Stringer, (David) Zaharakis who I think can go forward, (Josh) Green and (Orazio) Fantasia.
“Up and going, and when it’s played on their terms…when the game is run and gun, the shackles are off, almost a no lose consequence sort of attitude – they’re dangerous.
“You get nervous playing on that sort of team.”
Essendon will look to make it back-to-back wins to start the season when they travel to Perth on Saturday night to take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
