ALTHOUGH rivalry round was held in round three, for many people involved with Hawthorn and Essendon, this clash represents one of the great rivalries.
On Saturday we met the Bombers at the MCG and were rapt to gain the points after kicking 20 goals and playing some exciting footy.
One of the highlights of the match was the performance of Lance 'Buddy' Franklin, who booted a career-best nine goals. It came on the back of six goals against the Western Bulldogs.
'Buddy' is slowly fulfilling his potential and achieving it a consistent manner. We don't want to get too carried away with his performance, yet his efforts were due to some great work down back by Campbell Brown, while our midfield also applied strong pressure to Essendon, which caused the Bombers to turn over the ball.
It was all-round strong performance from the team, but for ‘Buddy’ to kick nine goals was a great effort from a 20-year-old.
The performance of Brown was also outstanding – lining up Scotty Lucas, he gave away roughly 15cm and 15kg. The idea to line Brown up on the forward came from 'Clarko' during the week. He thought Campbell could do the job on Lucas. It proved a great move, Campbell is a great competitor and when you do give him a job to do, it's not too often you see him lower his colours.
He's like Brad Sewell. You give Campbell a role – even though on paper it looks an unlikely contest – and he always gives his all, so we backed him in. We knew as long as Lucas didn't get a constant supply of quick delivery from Essendon's midfield, then Campbell would be able to perform the task, and he did it superbly.
Sewell was also a fine player on Essendon champion James Hird.
You have to play Hird differently these days, but we thought 'Sewelly' could shut him down when he had to, while also win the footy. I thought Brad performed his role exceptionally well and again he was another vital player on the day.
Jordan Lewis also continued his highly consistent season. He is certainly not underrated by the match committee, and he adds to our midfield depth, which includes Shane Crawford, Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge. It is great that we have plenty of contributors in the middle of the ground.
This Sunday we play Fremantle at Subiaco Oval and enter round seven with a 4-2 win-loss record. It will be a great test for us, playing Fremantle at home on the big surroundings, so we'll need to have our running shoes on.
It will be another challenge for us this weekend, travelling interstate, while we are up against a side many touted as a top four team and a premiership contender.
On the injury front, we're hopeful Chance Bateman and Joel Smith will be available for selection, while Richie Vandenberg will be all the better for having his first run of the season last round.
