Essendon are on a high after reaching the ‘most connected’ wavelength they’ve been on this season in their stirring win over GWS, but skipper Andy McGrath is hoping that’s only the baseline for this group’s output approaching the final month of the season.

Speaking to SEN Breakfast on Thursday morning. McGrath admitted a sense of relief - both for the leaders shouldering the weight of a tough season and the youngsters getting to sing the song for the first time in their budding careers. 

One first-year talent in career was pointed to by the Captain as a ‘star' in waiting during the chat, while the clash with Hawhorn remained front-of-mind. 

The full rundown from the chat with SEN:

McGrath on…… finally breaking through for a win

It's been an exciting few days. When you go a long period without getting the result you're striving for every week, it can be an arduous process to keep coming back and working hard from Monday to Friday.

To finally get some reward for our effort was really pleasing. I think the whole football club - internally and externally, including our fans - felt the importance of that win.

McGrath on…. singing the song

I think everyone knew the words! A few of the younger boys were pretty excited. I think a couple of them even did a lap of honour afterwards. To see the joy on their faces was pretty special. Having been around a bit longer, you realise how hard it is to win AFL games.

Watching those young guys celebrate, especially singing the song with the kids afterwards, was a really beautiful moment for the football club.

McGrath on….. the little moments

It was definitely a focus heading into the game. We know the game is full of moments that are bigger than the scoreboard.

We've really tried to highlight the intangibles - the tackles, pressure acts and contest work.

Those are the moments that create energy from within the team and eventually reflect on the scoreboard.

McGrath on….Dean Solomon's impact

Solly is someone who never takes credit himself. He always gives it to the people around him. He's done an incredible job in difficult circumstances.

His message after the game was one of appreciation for everyone who'd played a part. He deserves a lot of credit for the performance on the weekend.

McGrath on….connection

We knew there'd be a game where things would click. For the last month we've been working extremely hard and felt our training standards and connection in team defence were improving - it just wasn't showing on game day.

On the weekend we were definitely the most connected we've been.

McGrath on….building consistency

We know we're still a long way from where we want to be, but improvement starts inside the four walls of the club. With such a young group, stacking good days and good weeks is incredibly important.

AFL football doesn't just happen - it takes hours, and it takes years, to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to be

McGrath on….captaining through a difficult season

It's definitely been challenging.

When your team's struggling, you absolutely feel that weight. All I want is for this group to be happy and playing good football.

It's been a tough year personally, but all of our senior players have felt the pain - not just for ourselves, but for our coaches and especially our supporters. I've got enormous belief in our younger players, and that's what excites me about where this football club is headed.

McGrath on…..exciting young talent

They've all impressed me. First and foremost, they're outstanding people with terrific character.

I'm probably a little biased because I stand next to Jacob Farrow in the locker room every day. I think he's going to be a star. He's composed, has a beautiful left foot and reminds me a little of Jordan Dawson when he was younger.

But I could honestly name 10 or 12 young players I'm excited about.

McGrath on…. Windy Hill

We try to get back to Windy Hill whenever we can. It's such an important part of the club's history.

A lot of our younger players are still learning about what the club stands for, and getting back there helps reinforce that connection.

McGrath on…..facing Hawthorn

We're hopeful we can build on (our round 19 form). We know we can't simply expect to perform the same way again.

We have to go back to work, train well and bring the same level of intent and energy.

McGrath on….Zach Merrett

If you watched Zach every day, you'd have no idea there was any speculation surrounding him.

He's the ultimate professional. Whatever Zach decides is entirely his decision, but we love seeing him in the red and black

McGrath on…. the coaching search

The leaders have all been consulted in different ways, mainly around the characteristics of our playing group.

We've given our input and now trust the process. My role is to keep the playing group aligned and connected.