It is no secret that Essendon is a stronger outfit with Fletcher in the side. Essendon has lost the past two matches that Fletcher has missed due to suspension and the All Australian fullback adds another dimension to the side. Sheedy agreed the team grew in confidence with Fletcher at fullback. “I would be very pleased to be playing in a back pocket next to Dustin Fletcher and I would be ecstatic if I was on the half-back line next to Fletcher.
“With Mark Bolton, Aaron Henneman and Sam Hunt sidelined, we thought it best to leave Fletcher at fullback,” Sheedy said. It turned out to be the right move with Fletcher combining perfectly with Sean Wellman and Dean Solomon who were also outstanding.
Sheedy was also pleased with the performance of the younger players today and made mention of Joel Reynolds, Jordan Bannister and Damian Cupido. “They got some invaluable game time today and they will further improve in the coming weeks.”
Sheedy said the importance of today’s win shouldn’t be underestimated. “Coming back from Brisbane is never easy and I thought the team put in a solid performance, particularly after half-time,” Sheedy said.
The one set-back from today’s game was the injury to skipper James Hird. He limped off late in the first quarter with a corked thigh. Fletcher came off late in the final term with the same injury. Sheedy is hopeful the pair will be available for the Round 3 match against Carlton.
