Essendon returned to the winners list with a superb 29-point victory over the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
Off the back of a poor showing against Port Adelaide last week, Brad Scott and the Bombers responded in a big way, getting on top in the middle of the ground and dominating the contest to secure an important four points.
While the whole team took a major leap from last week’s loss, former AFL star Luke Hodge placed the emphasis on captain Zach Merrett and key defender Ben McKay, standing out for the Bombers in their strong win and throughout 2024 thus far.
“I’ve been impressed with Merrett with his attitude”, Hodge told SEN’s Crunch Time.
“McKay’s been an excellent pick up for them, he’s been someone that they have needed for a long period of time.”
Merrett finished with 27 touches and four tackles, while McKay racked up eight marks and five tackles from the back half.
While there is a plethora of positives to take from their performance, Hodge still remains somewhat sceptical of the Bombers’ in 2024.
“There are two concerns that I’ve still got for Essendon and that’s a part of their development… the edge needs to come when their backs against the wall,” he claimed.
“Last week at quarter time they went in, they looked really good last week, Port Adelaide changed their game style, they took something away from (Essendon) and there was no fight.
“That’s when we want to see it.
“They didn’t give a yelp after half time. Port Adelaide took (the edge) away from them, and they just didn’t fight.
“The other concerning thing I do have for Essendon… their transition is still a real worry.
“They hit one short 45 (kick) and then there is no movement, and then they go long down the line.
“If you’re going to be an Essendon supporter or an Essendon person who want to see these guys play finals, that is the big thing for them… working on their ball movement. They aren’t in sync.”
Despite the concerns, the Bombers find themselves with three wins from five, winning the clearance battle in four of their five games and looking back to form after a hiccup in Gather Round.
They will look to carry their form back to Adelaide as they take on the Adelaide Crows next Friday night.