After six months, the spotlight will return to the Bombers on-field performance this afternoon when the side opens their season against Gold Coast.
Can the Bombers win?
If past history is anything to go by, then they certainly can. Essendon has been written off on a number of occasions over recent seasons and regularly the team rises to the challenge and provides supporters with a game to remember.
The Suns are missing a couple of prime movers in David Swallow and Jaeger O’Meara, while the Bombers absentees are well documented.
Former AFL Coach and premiership winning assistant, Robert Shaw, told BomberTV earlier this week the Bombers are capable of matching it with the Suns in the midfield but will need to focus on curtailing their run from defence.
Who plays on Gary Ablett?
A date with Ryan Crowley would make for an intriguing subplot in this match. The pair have gone head to head several times throughout their careers, while Ablett even tweeted his displeasure at Crowley’s tactics while watching a match a few years ago.
Since arriving at the Bombers, Crowley has impressed coaches and teammates with his enthusiasm. Whatever role he plays, you get the feeling he’s not going to let this second chance slip by.
If Ablett goes forward, Mark Baguley shapes as a likely match-up. Matt Dea could also be used with the former Tiger showing great versatility throughout the NAB Challenge.
Can Matthew Leuenberger shoulder the ruck load?
It’s been a slow build for the former Brisbane Lions players throughout his first pre-season at the Bombers, but his preparation has been timed to the minute.
Leuenberger clocked 11 kilometres in his last VFL practice match and appears ready to lead the Essendon ruck division for the first time.
Shaun McKernan will offer support and the former Crow does have a good track record at Metricon Stadium. He collected 24 possessions and kicked three goals in his last visit.
Can the Bombers gel?
The cohesion was missing from the side’s final two NAB Challenge games but that’s to be expected given their limited time together. The Dons will field five players who have put in six-week pre-seasons, but among them are premiership medals and players who have stood up on the biggest stage.
The skill, guile and experience Mathew Stokes, Ryan Crowley and James Kelly offer is unquestioned. While Matt Dea and Jonathan Simpkin are hungry to re-launch their AFL careers.
Craig Bird, Matthew Leuenberger, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Mitch Brown and Darcy Parish are also playing their first game in the red and black but they’ve been training with the Club since November.
There will be breakdowns in communication, but if the side is first to the ball regularly, they will get enough opportunities to kick a winning score.
