Nick Riewoldt is eager to see how both Melbourne and Essendon respond in tonight’s must-win clash at the MCG.
The Demons and Bombers head into the Round 3 meeting without a victory to their name in 2019 with both sides having disappointed greatly in the opening two rounds of the new season.
St Kilda great Riewoldt shone the spotlight on the intriguing meeting on SEN’s Whateley.
“I’m fascinated to see how both of these teams respond, under huge pressure,” he said.
“You can be 0-2 and have grave concerns. I don’t have grave concerns for Melbourne.
“I think their pre-season has impacted. They still did a lot right in the sense that they won the footy and gave themselves opportunity against Geelong (last weekend).
“They just went a bit wide and shallow with their entries. That can be rectified.”
As for the Dons, there are some concerns for Riewoldt who feels this is a situation in which captain Dyson Heppell really needs to stand up.
“The Bombers are an interesting side to watch,” he added.
“How do they get themselves out of the headspace of playing survival football? Because that’s what it looks like from the outside.
“I’ve been there as a player and as a captain.
“This is where Dyson Heppell will earn his money as a skipper, trying to lead a team out of this situation.
“It’s a challenge.”
