Robert Shaw believes that the key to the Bombers’ success against the Tigers lies in fast-paced ball movement.
While the team possesses the ability to move the ball out of the backline with great pace and accuracy, they are also among one of the top ranked teams in the competition for sideway and backwards kicking.
The ability to move the ball out of the backline quickly, and minimize over possession, will be key to providing the forward line with better opportunities.
“Sometimes you use that tactic to maintain possession, keep the ball off the opposition, slow the tempo down,” said Shaw
“But then, I guess, you link it to the form of the forward line which hasn’t been great.
“Joe Daniher, Mitch Brown and these boys down there need quick delivery – so I hope that it’s a really fast tempo game.
“We’ve really got nothing to lose.
“Hopefully we see some excitement, some really quick ball movement and put pressure on the (Richmond) backline.”
This fast supply will be crucial for Daniher as he most likely comes up against Richmond’s star defender, Alex Rance.
Not only will this give Daniher the best chance of beating his opponent, but it will also decrease Richmond’s ability to outnumber the Bombers’ young forward.
“Joe Daniher needs the ball in quickly,” said Shaw
“He’s going to have an enormous task on Rance and one of the things that we would hope we would get is a one-on-one contest.
“You can’t do that with slow ball movement, because that will allow the backline to get back and make it a two on one against Joe Daniher.
“That will make it very difficult, especially with Rances’ presence.”
Essendon will look to boost this fast movement with the inclusions of the speedy Courtenay Dempsey and Shaun Edwards, who will be able to combine with Orazio Fantasia, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Mark Baguley to generate some great pace off the half-backline and through the middle.
While the pace is important, however, there must be purpose in the movement in order to avoid turning the ball over.
The boys have demonstrated their ability to break the lines and move the ball with deadly speed and accuracy throughout the season, but will need to do so more consistently this weekend.
“There has got to be a balance in the game,” said Shaw
“Like we did in the second half against North Melbourne, let’s really take this mob on, let’s attack them.
“We are capable, as we’ve seen, of playing an exciting brand of football.”
The Bombers will also need to take into account a Richmond group building in confidence and consistency.
In many ways, Shaw believes that the team selection by the Bombers this week reflects a direct attempt by the Coaches to nullify the impact of Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin throughout the game.
Courtenay Dempsey, Ryan Crowley and Shaun Edwards all come in for Saturday night’s game.
“I think they’re very good changes,” said Shaw
“They show a very strong indication to put on a great performance and I think it’s such an important game that Essendon has obviously brought in two experience players.
“Dempsey can go into the backline and Crowley, they want to, can be pushed up forward, or, can run with a Cotchin, Deledio or Martin.”
The exciting Shaun Edwards will come into the side for the first time this year, after a series of promising performances with Essendon VFL.
Edwards has been made to work hard for his spot in the team and will be looking to repay the faith shown by John Worsfold and the coaches, and put in a complete performance.
“I’m very pleased to see Edwards in the side,” said Shaw
“I think that Essendon supporters have been wondering and waiting, and I think it’s really in his hands now.
“He has a wonderful opportunity for the rest of the season to cement his position in the side and people will be watching his selection and his form very closely.”
