Mick Malthouse has explained why he thinks Essendon can win the premiership in 2022.
The three-time premiership coach says the Bombers have got “all the ingredients” to go all the way this year after making an unexpected finals appearance last year.
“They’ve got all the ingredients and I preface that by saying you need an ounce of luck,” Malthouse told SEN SA’s Kymbo and The Rooch.
“Anyone who gets hit hard with injuries, particularly if you haven’t got great depth, clearly that’s going to be a thing against you, and that goes for any team for that matter.
“But I reckon Essendon have got all the ingredients that you need – they’ve got speed, they’ve got (Sam) Draper in the ruck, they’ve got a forward line that’s not reliant on one player.
“They can kick goals from a number of players, and they can kick goals from their midfield, their midfield itself is very, very stable.
“I made a note that I thought Essendon had to give up a goal to get a goal last year – that’s got to change for them to win a premiership – but I reckon they’ve got the capacity to do that.
“They’ll hold more sides to nine, 10 or 11 goals than last year where they were conceding 12, 13, or 14, and that makes it difficult to win a lot of games.
“I’m backing that overall, their defence will work and their backline itself is a very, very classy one and gives them a lot of run.”
It’s been 22 years since Essendon won their last flag.
The Bombers ramp up their preperations for the 2022 premiership season with a hit-out against St Kilda in the AAMI Community Series on Saturday night.