Senior Coach Brad Scott says Essendon received a clear reminder of the work still required to match it with the competition’s best following Friday night’s loss to Hawthorn.

While the Bombers showed positive signs early, Scott said the Hawks’ ability to intercept and transition the ball proved decisive as the contest wore on.

“We really got beaten by what we were concerned about coming into the game,” Scott said.

“The inside 50 differential was significant, but they were able to intercept the ball a lot more than we did.”

Scott on… Hawthorn’s transition

Scott said Hawthorn’s ability to rebound from defence made it difficult for Essendon to sustain pressure in the front half.

“We were very concerned about their ability to bounce us out of our forward half,” he said.

“They did it through intercept marks and cleaning up ground balls.

“Our inability to stop them transitioning out of our front half was nowhere near the level.”

Scott said the speed of Hawthorn’s counterattack made it difficult for the Bombers to maintain momentum.

“When the ball’s bouncing out of your forward 50 and one in every two times it goes inside your forward 50 it goes back the other end, it’s very hard to build pressure.”

Scott on… the Bombers’ early intent

Despite the result, Scott was pleased with the Bombers’ willingness to take the game on early in the contest.

“I thought our ability to take the game on and put Hawthorn under some pressure early in the game in terms of scoring pressure was okay,” Scott said.

“But we just couldn’t hold up.”

Scott said building cohesion within the group remains an important part of the club’s development.

Using Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston as an example, Scott highlighted the value of continuity within a settled side.

“I see Jack Gunston move and his teammates know what he’s going to do,” he said.

“One of the challenges last year is we had forwards who haven’t played with midfielders before.

“We’ve had about 20 debutants in the time Hawthorn have had one.

“So those connection pieces – understanding what your teammate’s going to do – unfortunately takes time.”

Scott on… the young Bombers

Scott said there were encouraging signs from Essendon’s younger players despite the result.

“Dyson Sharp just showed us that he’s up to the level,” Scott said.

“He’s competitive, he’s strong and he makes good decisions.”

Scott also pointed to promising signs from debutant Max Kondogiannis in his first senior outing.

“Kondogiannis as well – he looks young, but that’s because he’s 18.”

Scott on... the road ahead

While disappointed with the result, Scott said the Bombers remain focused on the work required to close the gap on the competition’s best sides.

“We’re under no illusions,” he said.

“There’s a gulf between where we are right now and where the best teams are.

“But we’ve got capability and we’ve just got to execute better.”

Scott said the group would take the lessons from the loss and continue building as the season progresses.

“We got a good lesson tonight.”