DETERMINED to right the wrongs of its 2023 collapse, Essendon has lifted itself off the canvas and is up for the fight to keep its season alive.
The Bombers snapped a three-game losing run with a gutsy one-point win over Fremantle on Saturday to go within two points of the top eight.
Last year's collapse from finals contenders to 11th left a bitter taste in the Bombers' mouths, as did coach Brad Scott's comments last week that his charges had consistently failed pressure tests.
"It wasn't pleasing, the way we finished last year, and it's not how we want to finish this year," utility Nic Martin said ahead of Saturday's clash with Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium.
"It did come up during the week and we're just trying to right a few wrongs.
"He's (Scott) been open and honest with us. We've been open and honest as players as well towards each other with the feedback we've given.
"There was some hard truths during the week, but I think that's what we needed and we responded quite well.
"But this has got levels to go."
Those levels include beating Gold Coast at home on Saturday, then ominous clashes with flag fancies Sydney (home) and Brisbane (away).
When asked what made him believe Essendon could snatch a finals spot, Martin responded: "How tight the competition is.
"We saw that over the weekend with the results already.
"So you can't just wave the white flag because there's opportunities and chances every single week."
The Bombers' downhill trend started with an away loss to the Suns, but Martin wasn't dwelling on that defeat.
He is instead determined to embrace a "home deck advantage" against a Gold Coast team that hasn't won on the road all season.
The Bombers' midfield has received a lift with Darcy Parish's return from injury to complement skipper Zach Merrett and breakout guns Jye Caldwell and Sam Durham.
"Obviously Jye and Sam especially have been super all year, but I don't think we can underestimate the value Darcy brings into our side," Martin said.
"He really complements those two well. He plays a good outside-inside balanced role."
In just his third season, Martin is a crucial part of the Bombers' push.
The 23-year-old has played through the midfield, up forward, off half-back and on the wing - and admits he's not sure what his best position is.
"I'm happy to get thrown around a little bit, that's what I love," Martin said.
"I've had those chats with Brad about being that sort of player for him who can play anywhere, anytime. So I really like that."
The Bombers have recalled Ben Hobbs for Xavier Duursma (hamstring).
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick dropped Jack Lukosius, Joel Jeffrey, Brayden Fiorini and Malcolm Rosas, while recalling Jed Walter, Alex Davies, Connor Budarick and Jake Rogers.
