Although the supplements scandal continues to hang around, Essendon’s 2014 campaign appears on track.
After that terrible one-point loss to Melbourne, when the supplements court case was gearing up, it appeared the Dons had ended any chance of being part of September action.
Sides above them like Collingwood and the Gold Coast were winning, and staying two games clear in the eight.
But this competition is a marathon and a month is an eternity. The Bombers had a stirring victory in Adelaide over Port, and then on the weekend smashed Collingwood by 64 points. Essendon are now in the eight and a good chance of playing in the finals.
The win against the Pies was a tremendous performance considering the Bombers’ two best players, Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson, were missing, along with rebounding defender Michael Hibberd.
Collingwood have been without their key position defenders in Ben Reid and Nathan Brown for most of the season, and although youngsters Jack Frost and Tom Langdon have stood up, it’s a long season and fatigue seems to have kicked in.
Missing Goddard and Watson, Essendon’s midfield have gone to new levels, led by David Zaharakis and Dyson Heppell and being ably assisted by David Myers, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett and the exciting young Merrett brothers, Jackson and Zach.
Cale Hooker destroyed Travis Cloke, and has transformed himself from a tradable commodity two seasons ago to indispensable, one of the most accomplished key defenders in the AFL.
Collingwood’s forward line didn’t fire a shot and their much vaunted midfield, virtually at full strength, was also closed down. Mark Thompson’s pressure – so evident when coaching Geelong to glory – is starting to work its magic with the Bombers now.
Paul Chapman’s form has been patchy, but in the big games at the big grounds with the big crowds, he’s in his element, and shows his quality as an experienced and cunning small forward.
Gold Coast losing to the Bulldogs did Essendon a favour, but the Bombers ensured that finals destiny is in their hands with that emphatic display against the Magpies.
Their run home is the Dogs, Sydney, Richmond, West Coast, Gold Coast and Carlton – all in Melbourne, except the Swans’ clash. Barring the trip to Sydney, the Bombers should start favourites and while that doesn’t guarantee victory, if Essendon don’t win at least half those games they don’t deserve to play finals.
The supplements court case resumes in August, but the Bombers are now experienced with that matter. They have learnt to cope better with the off-field issues and concentrate on what’s happening on the field. If they keep this form up, they could be more than nusciance value in the finals.
James Hird is due to return for the Round 23 clash with Carlton. If the Bombers are finals bound, doesn’t it make more sense that he allow Thompson to finish the job this season?
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