Essendon senior coach Ben Rutten spoke to the media via Zoom on Wednesday as his charges prepare for an elimination final against the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Here are the five key takeaways from his media conference.

1. Finals excitement

The excitement is building at Bomberland.

Ahead of the Dons’ first finals series since 2019, Ben Rutten is embracing a debut appearance in his inaugural year as coach.

Rutten said his youthful brigade, the third-youngest side in the AFL, is ecstatic to be part of the final eight and challenging at the pointy end of the season.

“There’s a good sense of excitement around the group,” Rutten said.

“There’s been a really good feel around the place as there should be at this time of year.

“The group are really committed, and they want to achieve something special, and I think that does give you a bit of those nerves and excitement going into what’s possible over the next month or so.”

2. Not here to make up numbers

Many externally have pointed to the Dons’ finals win drought as a source of hindrance to the ambitions of Rutten’s group.

While Rutten acknowledges the past, he said it won’t dictate the future, and his charges are confident they can put their best foot forward on Sunday.

“We’re certainly preparing to perform in this finals series.

“I think the guys have a lot of belief and a lot of confidence at the moment.

“We’ve got a fit squad, so it’s putting a lot of selection pressure on us at the moment. It’s certainly a good problem to have at this time of year. 

3. Walla selection quandary  

Among a host of other names who are pressing to play in the Dons’ final, one big name has emerged as a key storyline.

The selection status of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti drew multiple questions in the media conference, with queries surrounding whether the goal-sneak will be brought in for the crunch final.

After impressing in the Dons’ scratch match against GWS, Rutten said McDonald-Tipungwuti would be a consideration to be included, but won’t be rushed back if he’s not ready.

"It's probably a little bit early in the week, we haven't finalised our selection yet.

'Walla' (McDonald-Tipungwuti) had a bit of a run around in our VFL game on Sunday and got through that fine.

“That was good, he was really pleased and looking forward to doing that. That was part of his plan and progression.

"Specifically on Walla, it's about continually monitoring him and making sure we're supporting him as best we can and not just rushing him back in because it's a final all of a sudden.” 

4. Same fixture, different game

In round 21, the Dons produced their best victory of the home and away season, toppling the then-league-leading Dogs by 13 points.

The Bombers commanded the midfield, with accurate goalkicking and a seven-goal haul from Peter Wright sealing the well-deserved victory.

When pressed on whether the Bombers hold an edge over the Dogs, Rutten said they don’t and this game would be won and lost in different facets than the previous match.

"There'll be an element that we'll certainly look at what happened last time, as I'm sure they're doing.

“Some stuff we'll take and try to implement again and other stuff we might have to keep evolving and adjusting.

"I think the trap we [could] fall into is thinking 'let's just roll out the same sort of line-up as we did last time' but things have certainly shifted from both clubs.

“We’re expecting them to bounce back really strongly and be at their best.”

5. Stringer’s secret to success 

A Therabody All-Australian squad nomination and new three-year deal gives you some insight into the season Jake Stringer has had.

The 27-year-old has been in scintillating form, booting 39 goals despite spending a large proportion of game-time in the midfield.

Rutten said the x-factor’s form comes down to the solid foundations he laid in pre-season.

“I think probably the off-season last year, he put in a heap of work to get himself right and in fantastic condition.

“When he returned, he copped a bit of an ankle injury that did derail a bit of his pre-season which was a real shame because he’d set himself to have a real good pre-season.

“Once he got back playing and training, it took a little while to build momentum and continuity in the body, but he’s continually found ways in the season to improve his game and hone his craft with footy stuff.

“I think the way he’s rounded out his game in so many facets is the really pleasing thing and what’s making him really difficult to stop at the moment.”