The Bombers had fans in raptures with their 55-point thrashing of the highly-rated Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, but ruckman Paddy Ryder says the focus has already turned to round two.
"It's good to start off the year with a good win, but we know it's only one week, so we're just looking forward to going out and putting in the same performance against Sydney this week," Ryder said at Windy Hill on Monday morning.
Ryder revealed the debut coach was quick to downplay the importance of the victory to his players after the match.
"Hirdy said it's only one win and if we go away next week and put in a poor performance, then last week isn't going to count," Ryder said.
"So it's all about improvement at the moment and not getting too ahead of ourselves."
Ryder was instrumental in the Bombers' victory, forming a damaging rotation between ruck and forward with David Hille as Bulldogs big man Ben Hudson shouldered the bulk of rucking duties on his own.
"It's good to have Hilley out there," Ryder said.
"In the past couple of seasons, he's missed a few games, so it helps the team when we're both out there and playing well.
"When we're both playing well, we normally have a win, so it's good for the side."
The 23 year-old, who kicked two goals on Sunday, believes he and Hille can continue to create headaches for opposing teams.
"I think we can both play that role in middle and also go forward, so it helps with the flexibility of the side," Ryder said.
"It helps stretch the opposition's defence."
Despite Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade declaring Essendon a top four threat, Ryder said the team is still not putting any expectations on itself in terms of ladder position.
"Week by week we just want to improve," Ryder said.
"That's what we're about this year, especially coming off such a poor year.
"It's just improvement that we're looking for."
