ESSENDON 17.5 (107) d HAWTHORN 11.17 (83)
Sam Durham, Jake Kelly , Xavier Duursma, Jade Gresham and Ben McKay of the Bombers sing the track.Credit score: Getty Photos
KEY POINTS
DONS FOCUS ON DEFENCE: Essendon coach Brad Scott stated defence had been a significant focus over summer time, the Bombers having too typically leaked targets final season. In Ben McKay, they now have the defensive pillar that they had been craving. The previous North Melbourne fullback had a very good afternoon on Mitch Lewis, taking 5 marks, whereas being the massive physique wanted to deal with pack conditions. Sadly, fellow defensive tall Zach Reid was subbed off with a hamstring problem. Reid’s profession has been derailed by hamstring surgical procedure and again points.
GOAL-KICKING AN ISSUE FOR HAWKS: The Hawks lacked efficiency inside attacking 50 final season, however seem to have eased their marking points. Former Tiger and Solar Mabior Chol was a significant presence, together with having an early mark-of-the-year contender, whereas the return of Jack Gunston provides goal-kicking energy. Small ahead Jack Ginnivan, greatest afield to half-time, and fellow goalsneak, rookie Nick Watson, can even be a handful. Coach Sam Mitchell famous submit match that final 12 months’s finals collection was closely influenced by small forwards. In Ginnivan and Watson, the four-time premiership star believes the Hawks now have this base coated.
HAWKS SMASHED AT CENTRE BOUNCES: The Hawks have work to do at centre bounces (overwhelmed 18-9 in centre clearances) and general stoppages (overwhelmed 39-32), whereas their accuracy in entrance of aim was a difficulty. Veteran Todd Goldstein, in his first recreation for the Bombers, had a whopping 41 hit outs in his battle with Ned Reeves (28), whereas Archie Perkins and Will Setterfield had been clearance beasts. Former Bomber Massimo D’Ambrosio drew reward from Mitchell for his 30 touches for his new membership.