Mid-season report: Scott a chance – young Bombers surprise finals contenders

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In numbers

• 8/10 – SCORE
• 7 – WINS
• 5 – LOSSES
• 6th – LADDER POSITION

Many AFL pundits had Essendon pegged for a bottom-four finish this year, but at the halfway point of the season, this young side looks a finals contender. The Bombers are a far cry from where they were this time last season, when an internal review of the football department found a lack of unity, and critics outside the club labelled them a soft, possession-heavy side with an impotent attack.

While last year they opened their account with a crushing 66-point loss to Geelong, this season they started with back-to-back wins over Hawthorn and Gold Coast, and had a confidence-boosting upset win over flag fancies Melbourne in round five.

Ruckman Sam Draper’s competitiveness has set the tone for many of Essendon’s best performances this season.Credit: Getty Images/Stephen Kiprillis

Under Brad Scott they are playing with more consistency and a clearer game plan. They are more efficient in attack and more capable of defending around the ground. A key change has been their ability to shut the ball in their forward half and force front-half turnovers.

They have also managed well without last season’s Crichton medallist and leading goalkicker Peter Wright, thanks in large part to the efforts of Jake Stringer and Kyle Langford. However, the Bombers still appear to lack key defensive stocks, despite the admirable efforts of Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde, Mason Redman and Andrew McGrath, who’s found himself well-suited to the half-back line.

The Bombers are still on the lookout for one key backman who could tie their defence together and make it function more efficiently. If they are to make finals, they’re going to need to dig even deeper. But they’re in the conversation after claiming some big scalps and challenging other top-eight sides.

Who’s hot

New captain Zach Merrett has looked immediately at home in the leadership role, guiding his team to a positive win-loss ledger and some valiant performances against highly fancied opponents. Most importantly, he’s leading from the front on field, averaging 28.9 disposals per game. Those numbers mean he’s rated elite within the competition, and he also sits above the competition average for marks, tackles, clearances, handballs and kicks. He has come a long way since 2020, when he was dropped from the leadership group.

Zach Merrett has taken to the captaincy with ease.Credit: AFL Photos

Kyle Langford is quickly turning into the Bombers’ most versatile player, able to make an impact at either end of the ground, depending on where Brad Scott needs him. He’s Essendon’s version of Sydney’s Mr Fixit, Isaac Heeney. He was the unlikely hero against Gold Coast in round two, was one of his side’s best on Anzac Day clash against the Pies, and had crucial back-to-back goals late in the third term to stretch the margin beyond West Coast’s grasp in round 11. The stats show he is performing above the AFL average for possessions per game (with 15.3) and at an elite level for goals (1.8 per game), marks (6.3) and kicks (10.6).

Cult hero Sam Draper has been a consistent weapon for the Bombers this year and combined well with Andrew Phillips to alternate in the ruck and bolster the forward line in Peter Wright’s absence. Although the flamboyant edge to his game remains alive and well, Draper looks more settled this season. He’s added composure to his ruck craft without losing the occasional moments of brilliance, such as when he bursts from a contest and gets Bombers fans to their feet.

Who needs to lift

In truth, forward recruit Sam Weideman might have found himself on the “who’s hot” list with a little more consistency and accuracy in front of goals. The former Demon has been a valuable addition to the Bombers’ forward line, making a mark on the scoreboard, notably with a five-goal bag against Geelong in round seven. All up, he’s kicked 13 goals from 10 matches, but his accuracy still remains below competition average. He’s good. But he does to need to lift and find greater consistency, not only to help the Dons cover the absence of Peter Wright, but also to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Without Peter Wright, the Bombers want more from Sam Weideman, starting with improved accuracy in front of goal. Credit: AFL Photos

There’s been a lot of heat on former captain Dyson Heppell the past few years and some questions around his spot in the best 22. Scott has been unwavering in saying Heppell has a position in the club’s best line-up. He knows Heppell’s value is not confined simply to the numbers he dishes up on the stats sheet, and clearly puts a premium on the leadership the veteran provides internally. While Essendon raced out of the blocks this season, Heppell had a slower start.

Many expected Ben Hobbs would be the likely replacement for Zach Merrett in round six for the Anzac Day clash against Collingwood, but he was named as the sub. He was unavailable for the opening rounds because of a minor calf strain, but made a big impact in Dreamtime at the ’G against Richmond, with five tackles and two goals from 17 touches. Despite that effort, he will need to fight hard to keep his spot in a line-up that’s a lot more even than it was this time last year.

Coach’s box

With a minimum of fuss, Brad Scott has made a huge impression in his first 12 rounds in charge of the Bombers. Midway through the season, he’s been able to deliver a positive win-loss ledger, while remaining extremely measured in his approach (at least publicly).

He refused to let the side get carried away after their 27-point win over Melbourne, claiming there were still plenty of areas he wanted to see his team improve. When the team has lost, he’s also remained positive about the long-term building blocks he’s laying down. Right at the minute, it looks like the Craig McRae is destined to take the AFL’s coach of the year honours, but if Scott’s team continues its obvious improvement in the second half of the year he might give his former teammate a run for his money.

The road ahead

Round 13 v Carlton at the MCG
Round 14 Bye
Round 15 v Fremantle at Optus Stadium
Round 16 v Port Adelaide at the MCG
Round 17 v Adelaide at Marvel Stadium
Round 18 v Geelong at GMHBA Stadium
Round 19 v Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium
Round 20 v Sydney at Marvel Stadium
Round 21 v West Coast at Marvel Stadium
Round 22 v North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium
Round 23 v GWS at Giants Stadium
Round 24 v Collingwood at the MCG

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