Why did we win / lose?
1. We lost the game against Brisbane due to lack of commitment from most of the team. We were pathetic with the exception of James Hird, Jason Johnson and Dustin Fletcher (Karole Prince).
2.We lost because we seemed to basically overwhelmed by the Brisbane mid-field. It seemed as if they were everywhere. To top it off, nothing went our way - umpiring decisions, hitting the post, bounce of the ball. This would have changed the result but it made it an extremely dirty day for the Essendon Football Club. (Alan Mountain)
3. We lost because we did not have enough players prepared to chase and pressure the opposition, especially the forwards. We also did not cover their switch of play on the backline mainly through Lappin. (Ross Hildebrand)
4. Brisbane played better and deserved their win. However, we will improve.Christopher Lowrie)
Best players and why?
1. Hird, Jason Johnson, Dustin Fletcher tried and were very. very good. They played four quarters of football. And I would like to mention Joel Reynolds he played a good game and showed quite a few of the other players what commitment is. (Karole Prince)
2. James Hird was unbelievable against overwhelming odds. He didn't stop trying all night. JJ and Mark Johnson also put in solid performances in a losing side. (Alan Mountain)
3. James Hird and Jason Johnson were the only players to play four quarters and committ their bodies to the ball. Honourable mentions to Mark Johnson and Dustin Fletcher who tried hard under a great barage of forward thrusts into Brisbane's forward 50. (Ross Hildebrand)
4. James Hird - tried hard all night.(Christopher Lowrie)
Where we need to improve?
1. In my opinion it is time Sheeds dropped the name players and bring in players who will play and put themselves in. The teams effort on Saturday night was very poor - again no midfielders and no forwards. I feel that all players should have a good hard look at themselves and show Adelaide you are a better side. Do you know how frustrating this is as a supporter knowing full well that you all can improve 200% - lets see it! Start playing a hard game and show why you are a benchmark team. You looked second rate against Brisbane. (Karole Prince)
2. For the first week this year there were a few contributors. It seems when the pressure mounts many players disappear. (Alan Mountain)
3. Normally our skillful ball players are being chased however on Saturday they had the shoe on the other foot and a weakness in their defence skills and lack of ability to put pressure on their opposition showed up. I am also concerned about the ability of our taller defenders to be used as link players from defence to attack - Jacobs, Forster-Knight and Henneman rarely hit their targets because of poor disposal. (Ross Hildebrand)
4. Midfield - we need to limit opposition midfielders possessions. The Brisbane midfielders got the ball without any pressure being applied. (Christopher Lowrie)