“A real issue for them”: Jenkins identifies Essendon’s big positional problem

Josh Jenkins has identified what he thinks is a gaping hole on Essendon’s list despite the side sitting sixth after Round 18.

That’s the position of a pressure small forward, with the Bombers lacking a player in that role according to Jenkins.

While the Dons have plenty of crafty forwards inside 50, Jenkins doesn’t think they possess a player who can apply and put on perceived pressure with speed.

The former Crows forward believes that the lack of that type of player cost the Dons in their 67-84 loss to the Demons on Saturday night given the game was played at ground level in the wet.

“Essendon were a tall team and had a tall forward mix (against Melbourne),” Jenkins told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“I think it's a real issue for them - not necessarily picking too many tall forwards - but they're not complemented by any small pressure forwards at all.

“I was having a look at their team from Saturday night. The closest thing to a pressure forward in that team is probably a Jade Gresham.

“Has anyone ever accused him of being a manic pressure forward? I’m not being disrespectful, his skillset is cream with the ball.

“You have a look who was in that forward six or seven. They didn't pick anyone that could put pressure on.

“Peter Wright is not a pressure player, Jake Stringer can occasionally run someone down, Kyle Langford isn’t really a pressure player, Nate Caddy – no, Matt Guelfi I don’t think is a pressure player he’s more of a defensive forward, Harry Jones isn’t and I mentioned Gresham.”

While the Dons have small forward twins Alwyn Davey Jnr and Jayden Davey, Jenkins isn’t sure whether either will turn into that player at the top level.

He thinks that having small pressure forwards is critical in winning finals, as shown by the Magpies in 2023, and that it’s becoming a real hole in Brad Scott’s best 23.

“It is (a hole on their list),” Jenkins said.

“They've got the Davey twins but whether they're up to the level or not is TBC.

“Small, running, pressure forwards are incredibly valuable. Look at Hawthorn, look at Geelong, look at Collingwood’s selected 22 from the Grand Final – they had guys like Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott, Bobby Hill and these guys that can run and gun and put pressure on, they also brought Lachie Schultz in.

“Essendon have got a real hole in that space.”

The Dons have been linked to Gold Coast free agent Ben Ainsworth, who could theoretically play that role in red and black if he opted to sign for the club.