Just as Bombers supporters would have it, things feel different this year.
Just a year and a half ago, their team was 4-2, even though they had just experienced an unusual defeat to Collingwood on Anzac Day, even though they had led by 28 points at the last interval.
The Bombers went on to win seven of their final 17 games in 2023 after that setback, but they were ultimately unable to make it to September action once more.
Dreams cut short.
But as Brad Scott’s team prepares for the 29th edition of the revered game, which honours and pays homage to veterans of the past and present who have served their country, another chance to do so arises.
The Pies have always had the upper hand over Essendon, winning 17 of the previous 9 meetings between the two sides that are highly anticipated.
But this year feels different, as Bombers fans would like to think.
Thanks to the off-season additions of Ben McKay, Todd Goldstein, Jade Gresham, and Xavier Duursma, Scott and his team will have a different look in 2023.
It’s been thrilling to watch Sam Durham and Archie Perkins (who is injured) rise to the surface, and Jake Stringer has returned to the fold for the second time in a contract year.
Moving forward After playing the entire preseason, Harrison Jones has reached new heights that Bombers fans had hoped for in past seasons—both literally and figuratively.
The captain, Zach Merrett, is performing admirably, putting in the hard yards without the ball, and the team’s move to trade two picks for Jye Caldwell is beginning to bear fruit.
In the early going of the season, even Dyson Heppell’s positional move from captain to halfback line has paid off.
However, those are merely cursory observations.
Let’s investigate more.
The Bombers weren’t good enough without the ball on average last year, despite some encouraging moments.
Their lack of willingness to battle and scrap for possession was evident on several occasions, as evidenced by pivotal games in the second half of the season against the Western Bulldogs (losing by 41 points in Round 19), GWS (losing by 126 points in Round 23), and Collingwood (winning by 70 points in Round 24).
Following the Pies’ defeat, Scott delivered a harsh critique that served as a wake-up call for the team. As a result, fifteen players will be travelling to the United States for a two-week summer training camp.
A generous spirit has permeated The Hangar, and Stringer has made a triumphant return to the game.
“In the end, players must buy in,” Scott stated in February.
“We’ve got to set the framework, got to set the programme and ultimately the most important part of my job is to hold the players accountable to the standards and expectations that we set.”
For the most part, the Bombers have delivered so far in 2024.
Important moments came from victories over Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, and St Kilda, competitors.
The season began with a victory over Hawthorn, but defeats to Port Adelaide and Sydney, two of the top four favourites, were predicted.
Defendant Nic Martin discussed the “biggest shift” he has witnessed in the last 18 months on 3AW’s Wide World of Sports.
“The growth just keeps coming and I think the improvement is there,” Martin stated.
“I believe that since Brad joined the team, our ability to communicate with one another on the pitch has changed the most.
“Our ability to respond to challenges and it’s hard to go past Zach (Merrett) for how he leads on the pitch, but I think the great thing about our club is we’re privileged to have strong leaders around him.”
Currently ranked seventh on the ladder, the Bombers may begin preparing for the season in the coming month.
Essendon’s matches against West Coast (Optus Stadium), GWS, and North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium follow the Pies on Thursday. Then, there’s the yearly Dreamtime at the ‘G against Richmond.
Scott’s team will probably be well within reach of the top four if they manage to win four more games in the next five (three of which should come against the Eagles, Kangaroos, and Tigers).
Essendon’s unsuccessful September record, which dates back to their finals victory in 2004, is well-known to all. However, getting there is necessary, and so far in 2024, the Bombers are operating as intended.
Additionally Anzac Day victory could be the cherry on top.
