“It was disappointing but we have to put it in perspective. We learned a lot out of the game and over the next four weeks we will work at getting things right,” Harvey said. “We had a few out and the week away didn’t help – but that isn’t making excuses. We simply have to play a lot better than we did. We went inside 50m 28 times – that must almost be a record low for us.”
The midfield dominance was the most disturbing aspect of the Bombers’ loss. Essendon was constantly beaten at ground level and it put enormous pressure on the defence.
“We have got to work on getting better around stoppages. We did get beaten in the middle but we had a young kid in the ruck who has basically spent his whole career at centre half forward – mind you, I thought he did very well around the ground,” Harvey said.
“We didn’t win enough contested ball but that can be because when you are not winning the hit out you worry more about your opponent and fatigue can also play a part. I wouldn’t be too worried just yet. Anyone that has played the game knows that while you can play mock pressure games you actually need three or four genuine practice matches to know where you are at. Along the way there will be times when the team struggles. I’m not overly concerned at the moment but it was a wake up call for the group. “
Harvey said there were some positives to come out of the game.
“When Sheeds saw the game was gone we put all the kids on and that isn’t simply conceding defeat – that is about being smart about developing your list,” he said. “The positives were that we have found a couple of young players that look like they can handle playing league football and that was Jobe (Watson) and Jason Laycock.”
“I thought Matthew Lloyd was good and the backline did reasonably well. Sean Wellman was good and Ben Haynes did quite well when he came on. When you aren’t winning the ball you do look for the players who still have the capacity to get it and I thought he did that which was a good sign.”
Harvey said he also took heart out of the performances of new recruits Adam McPhee and Damian Cupido. “It was Cupido’s first game of league football in 18 months so I think that puts his performance into perspective. He will derive a lot out of that match – he will work his way back into football and start to put his body on the line,” he said.
“McPhee didn’t have an impact statistically but I liked the way he took on the opposition verbally and physically and he didn’t get beaten on the day. He is certainly a player the guys will want to run out with and be in the trenches with. He didn’t look out of place.”
On presentation of their membership card, Essendon member's have free admission to the practice match on Saturday. Admission prices for non members are as follows:
Adults $10
Concession $5
Children <15yrs $2
