Throughout a season of tough losses Mark Baguley has remained resolute in the Essendon defence. 

The backline has come under constant threat, particularly after the bye, but Baguley has continued to perform some excellent roles on the game’s most talented small forwards. 

“He’s had a really consistent year,” Interim Senior Coach Matthew Egan said. 

“He’s been one in some games where we’ve had some bad losses, he’s been the one that’s kept giving really good efforts.

“He’s an absolute competitor, he works on his game extremely hard, so he’s always wanting to do more.” 

One of the areas Baguley has worked hardest on has been his disposal. 

And the extra time honing his skills has paid off with Baguley ranked fourth for disposal efficiency (83.2%) at the club. 

“Kicking has been his focus this year which I think has really improved,” Egan said. 

“He takes the short targets with no hesitation now.” 

After spending time on Jack Martin, Harley Bennell and Brandon Matera at stages during last week’s match against Gold Coast, Baguley’s task won’t get any easier against Richmond.

“Hopefully he finishes off the last two games really strong,” Egan said.

"He probably dipped in his form a little bit last week and he’s going to play on some great players this week – Cotchin, Deledio, Martin when he goes forward – so he’ll play an important role for us.”