With just one win on the board after the first month of the season, Essendon’s VFL campaign was in the balance.

But through growing synergy and better execution the Bombers surged up the ladder, eventually rounding out the season in sixth spot.

“At the start of the season we were a little bit up and down, and in those close games we probably fell short,” Coach Paul Corrigan said.

“When you look at some of the games early on, we thought we were in the game but crucial things cost us in the end.

“That was a combination of our execution, the ball going inside or taking opportunities in front of goal.

“I felt like we learnt from that in the second half of the year and when we faced those challenges, we were able to get over the line.”

The Dons defeated four top eight sides in the second half of the season and along the way had three players selected in the initial state squad and four selected in the State Combine.

The Club’s leading goal kicker Alex Boyse and fellow Combine invitee Nick Hind were among the key players as the Bombers recorded key wins over fellow top eight hopefuls.

“I really felt that they were the games that really gave us the opportunity to consolidate inside that final eight and give us a chance to play finals footy,” Corrigan said.

“Even though we didn’t have a big contingent of AFL players, the boys still stepped up and beat those top four sides.

“Those are the games you remember - when the season is on the line and we have to win.

“We got over the line in each of those games.”

Essendon finished in sixth place on the VFL ladder, but was eliminated in the first week of finals after a five point loss to Footscray.

Corrigan said the Bombers would review the entire season and look to add the key pieces that will help propel the side further up the ladder.  

“We aren’t far off,” Corrigan said.

“We just have to make sure we learn from why we lost games and hopefully we can make a difference next year when we get to the back half of the year.

“That will give ourselves the best opportunity to hopefully go deep into the finals next year.”