ESSENDON
Seasonto date:
After a surprisingly bright start in whichthe Bombers won three of their first four matches, the wheels looked like theymight fall off for Kevin Sheedy’s men when they lost three on the trot. Butback-to-back wins have Essendon sitting just outside the top eight and,although it’s still early in the piece, looking a legitimate chance to figurein this year’s finals picture.
Recentform (Last five rounds):
Round 5 – Essendon 11.13 (79) lost toCollingwood 12.23 (95)
Round 6 – Essendon 15.6 (96) lost toHawthorn 20.11 (131)
Round 7 – Kangaroos 18.9 (117) def Essendon13.17 (95)
Round 8 – Essendon 18.19 (127) def
Round 9 –
Round 18, 2006 at the SCG - Sydney 17.14(116) def Essendon 11.7 (73). Barry Hall was superb with six goals as he ledthe Swans to a comfortable 43-point win over the Bombers. Despite having muchof the play in the early exchanges, Essendon wasn't able to capitalise on thescoreboard as Paul Roos’ men won each of the four quarters. Mark Bolton, whoisn’t in the Bombers’ line-up at the moment, did a good job nullifying Brownlowmedallist Adam Goodes.
The ‘full-house’ sign will go up onSaturday night for this one, with the reduced capacity at the SCG ensuring it’sa sell-out. Only a handful of tickets remained mid-week and a packed SCG issure to bring out the best in the Swans, a ground they play and know so well.The Bombers, while having a lot of support anywhere they go, haven’t enjoyed alot of success in
What can the Swans expect this time fromthe old master, Kevin Sheedy? This week the coach has talked up his side’schances, and has hinted at the inclusion of more youngsters to the line-up.Last year, the Bombers knocked off the reigning premiers in round one and enjoyedtheir moments in the return bout in round 18 at the SCG. One thing the Swanscan be certain of – ‘Sheeds’ won’t be scared of trying something a little leftof centre.
Strengths:
Any side with three genuine matchwinnerscan do damage. The presence of James Hird, Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas generallyallows the Bombers enough shots at goal to give the side a winning chance inmost games they play. Just how much of an influence the star trio is allowed toexert will go a long way to determining the game’s outcome.
Missingin action:
The Bombers’ main injury concerns revolvearound pace, with Nathan Lovett-Murray (groin), Leroy Jetta (groin) and AndrewLovett (knee) all still unavailable.
Thekey player:
Matthew Lloyd - The role of the traditionalfull-forward seems to be becoming more outdated as the game continues toevolve, but there’s no doubt Lloyd is of most value closest to the sticks.After all, he destroyed the Swans in last year’s season-opener with fivefirst-quarter goals. He was absent for the round 18 clash and his presence willtest the home side’s defence. Lloyd, in tandem with Scott Lucas, can prove aformidable team when up and running.
Theageing champion:
James Hird - Just which Swan gets the taskof running with Hird, only Paul Roos knows. Last time the teams met, Hird spentperiods in attack – due largely to Lloyd’s absence – so Craig Bolton was hisminder at times. However with the twin attacking towers of Lloyd and Lucas both present this week,expect Brett Kirk or maybe even Adam Goodes to run around with the Bombers champion,who doesn’t need many touches to have a profound influence on a contest.
Theyoung gun:
Alwyn Davey - Scintillating pace and anacute nous around the big sticks has made the younger brother of
Can’tafford to drop one:
With so many teams locked together on atightly-bunched ladder, now is the time for sides to make their move on the AFLtable. The Swans have looked great during the past fortnight with impressivewins over highly-credentialled opposition, while Essendon has also ralliedafter a form slump. The Bombers face West Coast and Port Adelaide after theirtrip to
The views in this story are those of theauthor and not necessarily those of the club.
