Former Essendon captain Tim Watson is preaching patience with his old side, after their slow beginning to the 2022 season.
The Bombers started 0-3 after running into Geelong, Brisbane and Melbourne, three teams who all finished in the top four last year.
They then eked a win over Adelaide in a shootout at Marvel Stadium to break their duck in Round 4.
On top of their tough draw, they’re missing Zach Merrett, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Harrison Jones, Kyle Langford and Will Snelling from their best side, as well as key position players Zach Reid and Michel Hurley.
Despite playing finals last year, and Mick Malthouse’s proclamation that they would win the flag, Watson believes everyone needs to take a deep breath.
“Patience is key,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“At the weekend they were the (least experienced) team on the park.
“This is what happens though. The expectation is built on what you do the previous year.
“So if you overstretch and overreach in a season where you might get a little bit lucky and have a reasonable draw or whatever it might be, then you build that expectation.
“And then Mick Malthouse goes and says you’re going to win the flag and then that takes it to another level.
“Be patient with Essendon.”
Essendon will host Fremantle on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium before facing Collingwood on ANZAC Day in Round 6.
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