ESSENDON'S midfield might have been maligned in the past but it is quickly growing in stature, with coach James Hird praising his onballers for being central to the Bombers' 61-point win over West Coast.
The Bombers smashed West Coast in disposals, contested possessions and clearances, and pumped the ball inside their 50-metre arc 22 more times than the previously unbeaten Eagles.
Hird's side also looked at its sharpest, fittest and strongest so far this season in the thumping win, and continued to attack the goal front.
So far in 2012 Essendon is averaging five more scoring shots per game than last season, and Hird puts it down to their increased dominance in the midfield.
"That comes from how you defend and where you defend and how you contest the ball to give yourselves those opportunities," Hird said.
"There's no doubt our midfielders this year have won most of the games we've played in.
"They're a very good midfield group, they don’t get the credit they deserve, but the way they play and the way they control the contested football, the way they did it tonight in the clearances was very pleasing."
Brent Stanton (36 disposals), Jobe Watson (36) and David Zaharakis (32) were sublime in the win, but the efforts of Jake Melksham, Ben Howlett and Sam Lonergan also caught Hird's eye.
He did, however, admit there was much development to go before they could consistently match it with Carlton, Collingwood, Hawthorn and the Eagles in on-ball battles.
"There's some midfields out there that have some real A-Grade players," Hird said.
"Our players want to be like that, but they understand they've got a long way to go. And they're going to continue to work hard until they get there."
Zaharakis' return to form in the last three weeks after a slow start to the year has been a welcome boost to the Bombers.
Last year's best and fairest winner noted the growing strength of the midfield meant opposition clubs could no longer clamp down on Watson or Stanton and completely shut the Bombers down.
"It's great when the whole midfield is playing well and teams don't know who to match up on each week," Zaharakis said.
"It's been a real bonus for us. We've got about eight or nine guys who can go through and that midfield depth is something that's been lacking in the last couple of years but now we have a lot of guys who can go through there."
Although Essendon's six-win start to the year after seven rounds puts it firmly in the race for a top-four position, Hird was adamant the club wouldn't get carried away with the win, and stressed the Eagles were missing up to eight first-choice players.
Essendon's next challenge is against Richmond at the MCG next Saturday night in the annual Dreamtime at the G contest.
Key forward Michael Hurley has missed three weeks since straining his hamstring against Carlton in round four but will return to face the Tigers after training fully on Saturday with the rehabilitation group. Defender Tayte Pears is also expected to be available.
Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.
