After a hard-fought victory in the Dreamtime clash against Richmond, the Bombers are looking for back-to-back wins when they take on the undefeated Geelong on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
A key factor in a win for the Bombers will be limiting the influence of Geelong’s star players.
In this week’s poll we ask which Geelong player Essendon most needs to shut down – Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartell, Joel Selwood, Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson or other?
In last week’s poll we asked who you thought was the Bombers’ most important indigenous player and Paddy Ryder was voted the winner with 45.72% just ahead of Andrew Lovett with 42.96%, Alwyn Davey polled 7.18%, Courtenay Dempsey with 3.45% and other with 0.69%.
Here’s what some of the fans had to say:
Nicole from Torquay says: At the moment with David Hille out, Paddy is probably our most important, but all 4 mentioned are playing so well at the moment. There is nothing better than watching Andrew Lovett fly from one end of the ground to the other.
Brian Campbell from WA says: Paddy is the most important at the moment because we don’t have a ruckman.
Dean Flynn from Mulgrave says: Andrew Lovett is in the top echelon of mid fielders in the league. People remember of his misdemeanours of the past, instead of treating this elite athlete on his performances now and in the future. Go Andrew, keep breaking those lines.
Norman Cacciattolo from Melbourne says: I say Andrew Lovett because of his speed and pace and he is really exciting to watch.
Leigh from says: Pretty hard poll this one as both the run and carry of Lovett and Dempsey from the half back line is crucial, and Davey’s tackling and forward pressure is absolutely brilliant. The fact that Hille is out for the season and Laycock still not in the side yet, my vote has to go Paddy Ryder who has stepped up big time and allowed others to shine in the backline this year, good to see a bit of depth!!
Jamie from Derrimut says: because the poll asks for ""most important"" it has to be Paddy, without him we are in severe trouble in the ruck with Hille injured.
Nathan from Mosman, NSW says: The poll is showing a pretty tight tussle with Lovett and Ryder. I could've gone with either but voted for Lovett for his fast moving running plays and driving force into the forward 50. He's an excitement machine and his consistency has been a stand out this year. Kudos out to Ryder as well, who is an excellent player and very important to the Bombers.
Sam from Albury says: Dempsey is a superstar, if he fires down back with speed and skill he gives Davey & Lovett the room through the midfield to run on and dominate, it all comes from down back... Carn the Bombers!
Michael Atkinson from Dandenong North says: It was a choice between Lovett and Ryder, but I had to go with Lovett, his amazing run with the ball is just incredible to watch!
Terri from Moonee Ponds says: Too close to call but Andrew Lovett just gets my vote...just!
Leanne Butterworth from Ballarat says: Andrew Lovett would have to be my pick. Just his sheer speed is enough to fire up the rest of the team; it nearly always leads to a goal!!
Jack from says: Ryder is absolutely integral to the Bombers. Without Ryder there is no real first-rate ruckman. Without such a ruckman, there is no hope. Lovett may have class, run and silky skills but is also replaceable. Ryder much more important, particularly this year for the Bombers.
