Essendon has already used 36 different players in its practice matches including new draftees Jobe Watson, Jason Laycock, Darren Walsh and this week Tristan Cartledge. 68% of Essendon supporters who voted on last week’s website poll believe Essendon’s primary focus in its remaining practice match should continue to be experimenting rather than winning – although some did comment they enjoyed the winning scoreline against the Western Bulldogs.
Comments from some Essendon fans:
Pam Norris from St Albans says: Experimenting is good, but unless younger players get the experience of winning they will always have self-doubt that they have the necessary abilities. They know that they have potential to be good players but winning helps their confidence
Tony Coz from Victoria says: speaking of experimenting I think we need a bit of a ""rough nut"" type player for center halfback like Dean Wallis. Someone who can come on and split the packs apart when the goings a bit tough. You know a Roger Merritt...Ronney Andrews....actually a Kevin Sheedy wouldn’t be bad! . But seriously we need someone with a bit of a mean (but fair!) streak.
Chris Malcher from Templestowe says: Don't listen to any of the hype or judgements that are coming forth with the losses in the preseason games - it goes not only for the players but for the members and supporters too. The players should be fine tuning their skills in preparation for Round 1. The regular season must be the focus when that ball is bounced up in Brisbane, not what has happened in the preseason games!
Brad Dyer from Ocean Reef says: I think winning should be the focus to ensure we have some sort of winning confidence going into the regular home and away season.
Tim Bristow from Wagga Wagga says: Good form is essential in the pre season but I think this year the experimentation is more important this year because we need to find the players to replace Caracella, Blumfield. Heffernan and Moorcroft.
Wiseyfrom Vic says: There is nothing like that winning feeling... Momentum is key factor in the success of winning, lets look back to 2000 for instance!
Lucas Wheeler from Vic says: We have to win some games to get the boys confidence up again and then it's only a matter of time until September. Go Dons!
Marie from WA says: Experiment with new players, so that we can be no. 1 again!
Joan Hill from Lower Templestowe says: Experimenting was fine earlier, and I voted for that, but now, in my opinion, we need to give the team a bit of confidence for the start of the real season. Last week's practice match was terrific. But thank heaven Sean Wellman is okay. We really need him.
Crazyman from Minto says: I think it is important to continue giving the young guns a chance to play as many games as possible as well as finding out where players may settle (e.g. Lucas at CHB)
