In the wake of the Bombers’ heartbreaking three-point NAB Cup semi-final loss to St Kilda, Knights rated the players’ willingness to learn as the most pleasing aspect of his pre-season.
“In my view it’s been collectively how the group has embraced the new direction,” he said after the game.
“That’s been really pleasing. Again tonight they endeavoured to embrace and push hard and St Kilda put enormous pressure on us but our boys continued to try and probe openings.”
After trading punches all night with the more experienced Saints, a holding the ball decision against Angus Monfries with 50 seconds remaining delivered the knock-out blow for an Essendon side containing 15 players with less than 50 games experience. Eight of those had played less than 10 games.
While disappointed to lose, Knights believes Bomber fans should be excited about the future.
While a host of young players got their chance throughout the NAB Cup, he said the final practice match would see a number of stars, including skipper Matthew Lloyd, Dustin Fletcher and Adam McPhee, return to the side.
“We’ll go with a dress rehearsal that will allow us to play our 22 or 23 that will be earmarked for round one,” he said.
Essendon’s final pre-season opponent won’t be decided until after Saturday night’s other semi-final between Adelaide and Hawthorn.
One player likely to retain his spot is 20-year-old Jay Neagle, after he kicked four goals to breathe life into a Bomber forwardline that struggled for much of the night.
Neagle, who has battled stress fractures in his foot over pre-season, showed poise and class inside the forward 50.
“Jay has only trained for three weeks on the track,” Knights said.
“As far as young players go he is as talented as any we’ve got. What you saw tonight was about 70-75 percent match fitness, which is very promising.
“He’s still learning and adapting but when he gets a full pre-season under his belt he’ll be a player. Long term he’s a key forward.”
Others to impress included Paddy Ryder, Heath Hocking, Jay Nash and Courtenay Dempsey.
