Forward Matt Guelfi is keen to build on Essendon’s strong first half of the 2023 campaign.

Speaking to SENWA on Thursday, Guelfi was solid on the Bombers’ internal preparation heading into their trip to Perth to face Fremantle this Saturday night.

Guelfi is also aware that returning after the bye has historically presented challenges to teams across the league, but believes Senior Coach Brad Scott has the Dons ready to take it on.

“It has (been spoken about internally) a little bit. It’s obviously nothing physical because you’re fresh, it’s just a mental thing,” Guelfi said.

“This week on the track we were ready to go, (Brad) is keeping us focused for the next task ahead.”

Guelfi is buoyed by the team’s room for improvement with Scott, despite the fast start under his tenure.

With a renewed focus on defensive stability and a damaging transition game, Guelfi is looking to provide a chop-out for his back six wherever possible.

“We don’t want to rely on (the defenders) every week, we want to stop it up the ground. That’s where I come in, hopefully putting on a bit of pressure and making forward half turnovers,” Guelfi said.

“(Brad’s) been really good at not expecting us to be perfect straight away. Hopefully in the back end of the year, we’re 100 percent and hitting it the best we can.”

The Dons are operating by the ‘one week at a time’ motto, and this weekend’s clash with the Dockers will be no exception.

With key players returning from injury on both sides, Guelfi knows to expect a fierce start at Optus Stadium.

“It doesn’t get any easier this week. It’s always hard to beat the Western Australian teams in Perth, but it might have a bit of Melbourne weather, so that might help us,” Guelfi said.

“We’ve just got to be able to throw the first punch and get the momentum going our way.”

One of those returning on the Bombers’ end will be Darcy Parish, making a long-awaited comeback from a calf injury.

Amidst the excitement of Parish’s inclusion, Guelfi was also impressed by the ability of younger players taking up midfield responsibilities in his absence, such as Ben Hobbs and Archie Perkins.

“Although it’s been bad to have (Dylan Shiel) and Darcy injured, it’s been good for our younger boys because they’ve been able to step up,” Guelfi said.

“With Darcy coming back in, it’s going to be extra exciting for us.”

Another key for the Bombers will be the form of Nic Martin, who is piecing together an outstanding sophomore season on the wing.

Guelfi lauded the poise of the fellow WA product, who has adapted smoothly to the AFL standard in the space of just 18 months in the system.

“We joke about how he thinks the AFL is a bit easier than the WAFL,” Guelfi said.

“He’s got a license to use the ball how he likes, and when him and Zach (Merrett) get the ball, we’re licking our lips as forwards because they always make the right decisions.”

The growing connectivity of the group has been on display this season, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed on Guelfi’s end.

In addition to the impact of new faces both on and off-field, Guelfi believes the group’s ability to overcome scrutiny after a difficult 2022 season has held them in good shape.

“I know we got a lot of slack from last year going on our footy trip, but I think that’s made us a tight-knit group together and it’s shown, bringing that into this year,” Guelfi said.

“We’ve gone up and down a little bit, which happens when you have a young team. I think we’re going to see a lot more consistent footy now.”