Speaking on Weekend Rewind, Prescott said he was pleased with the fight the side showed in a sensational second half comeback but believes they need to play consistent football for four quarters if they are to beat the premier sides in the competition.
“It was really disappointing in the first half. They absolutely smashed us in all the contested ball situations, which was just unacceptable but it was good to see that we were able to address it at half time,” he said.
“Being able to fight back is probably a real strength of the Essendon Football Club at the moment; it comes from having a bit of self belief, belief in our fitness and our systems.
“These slow starts are something we will certainly address - if you look at the St. Kilda game, apart from the first quarter, we actually outscored them. These top sides aren’t going to let you get back into the game.
“We’ve probably let ourselves and our supporters down on having lapses on games we should have won but I think it was a really professional performance this week and the group is maturing slowly. It was pleasing to go and get the job done in a really big game for the club.”
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Prescott was thrilled with the performance of all the Indigenous players, especially Paddy Ryder and Nathan Lovett-Murray, who stood up tall during the ‘Dreamtime’ celebration.
“I was on the bench sitting next to Paddy Ryder when Lovett-Murray took that huge mark, I think Paddy was just as excited as many of the supporters out there, he nearly jumped off his seat,”
Prescott said.
“They play wonderful and instinctive footy and we really encourage them to attack the ball to show their individual skills.
“When David Hille initially went down I spoke to Paddy, I spent a bit of time working with him, he actually said this is the opportunity I want, to be able to lead the ruck, he really wants the opportunity and I think that it’s showing in the way he is playing his football.
