Matthew Knights says the improved consistency of the team is one of the most pleasing outcomes from the Bombers' 35 point win over Richmond in Saturday's Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.
Speaking on SEN this morning, Knights said the club has recorded three wins in the past four games - including a heart-breaking loss to Port Adelaide - which has gotten some momentum into the season.
“In the first four or five weeks we didn’t have the consistency and we were up and down with our form,"" he said.
""But I’ve been pleased in the last month we’ve been able to play really intense football.
“We’re number one in tackles in the league, and number two in contested ball, and that’s something as a club we’re proud of.
“To win three out of the last four games has built some momentum back in our season.”
Speaking on Weekend Rewind, Essendon assistant coach Ashley Prescott said the team started well but had to develop a killer instinct.
“It was really pleasing to kick 7.1 in the first quarter,” he said.
“But our ability to be able to sustain that effort for the whole 30 minutes in a quarter was a little bit disappointing.
“We had an opportunity to really grind Richmond into the ground and we didn’t do that. That’s a real maturity issue, and as a group we’ve to get better at really burying sides.
“Sides are probably getting goals a little bit too easy at times, but that’s more of a team defence (issue). Individually, as a tackling group, we’re going pretty well at the moment.""
Prescott said the performance of Leroy Jetta was a highlight.
“That was the best game he’s played for the Essendon Football Club. He would have had about seven goal assists,” Prescott said.
“He still isn’t confident enough when he’s got the ball to kick the goal, so that’s something that the coaching staff will continue to work with him on, but you couldn’t doubt his work rate and intensity.”
An interview with Alwyn Davey also features on this week’s show, with the speedster noting the Bombers’ ability to adapt in front of goal.
“We were trying to get the midfield in there kicking goals to help the forwards out a bit, so it was good to have 14 (individual goal) kickers,” he said.
“We’ve got two wins in a row now so hopefully we keep going.”
