Is the answer to Essendon’s midfield woes staring right at them?
Essendon’s on-ball unit is too small and is desperate for some size and grunt.
Former no.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath has been moved down back, while 2021 draftee Ben Hobbs has showed good signs in his early years but he fits the mould that's the problem with the Bombers - he's a bit too small.
It became abundantly clear last year that their best two midfielders in captain Zach Merrett (179cm) and Darcy Parish (180cm) are far too similar with the way they apply their midfield craft.
Merrett and Parish have both got this incredible ability to find the footy but if that doesn’t happen, all hell breaks loose and the opposition is able to do as they please.
It was a glaring issue for the Bombers last year and last Friday’s practice match against St Kilda, mindful that it was just a match simulation, showed some positive signs that Brad Scott and his coaching staff have addressed this significant issue in the off-season.
Will Setterfield and Sam Durham spent plenty of time in the midfield and they had an immediate impact against the likes of Jack Steele, Seb Ross and Mattaes Phillipou.
Setterfield was clean and tough whilst Durham showed class and speed.
The best midfields in the competition have that balance of bigger and smaller statures, and speaking on the eve of their Round 1 clash against Hawthorn, the three-time All-Australian Merrett concedes it’s certainly something the Bombers have been trialling and working on in the summer.
“You always need a balance,” Merrett told SEN.com.au.
“You’ve obviously only got what you’ve got on your list. I feel like Sam Durham and Will Setterfield do fit the mould that’s a bit different to us (Merrett and Parish).
“Darcy and I are more like spill-ball, connect players, whereas those are a bit more inside and have a bit of height.
“Most clubs now have one or two taller mid players. If you look at Brisbane you’ve got Josh Dunkley who has complemented Lachie Neale more so than previously. Jordan De Goey’s size has helped Collingwood.
“Durham is probably the one for me who could really take that step and just be a different dynamic for us.
“He had some good games last year here and there, but I think he’s ready to be a really consistent player.”
Ex-Richmond VFL player Durham featured 22 times in 2023 and averaged 16.8 touches, while former GWS and Carlton midfielder Setterfield played 10 games last year and averaged 20.8 disposals.
The Dons will next be in action against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in the AAMI Community Series on Friday, before kicking off the 2024 season against Hawthorn at the MCG on March 16.
