Essendon’s defence is establishing itself as one of the most accomplished units in the competition.

While the attacking side of the game is still a work in progress, the defensive signs are good.

“I’ve raved about the backline all year,” Essendon great Matthew Lloyd said.

Cale Hooker and Michael Hurley have been a dominant combination in defence.

They rank in the top ten in the competition for rebounds from the defensive 50 and marks.

Hooker is also in the top three for contested marks.

“In terms of the one on one contests – Hurley, he’s been my All-Australian full-back to this halfway mark,” Lloyd said.

“I think Hooker’s not far off himself being the centre half-back.”

Mark Baguley has also taken his game to a new level, performing some excellent shut down roles while also averaging more than 17 possessions.

“I’ve really liked Baguley’s season.  Probably goes under the radar but he’s been fantastic,” Lloyd said.

Further up the field Ben Howlett (number two overall) and Zach Merrett (number 12 overall) are among the competition’s leading tacklers. 

In just his second season, Merrett has already played 31 AFL games.

“Zach Merrett would be top three or four in the best and fairest with his consistency,” Lloyd said. 

Travis Colyer is also stepping up in 2015 after an impressive finish to last season.

He’s becoming one of the side’s most damaging players, kicking 11 goals already this season. 

“Colyer probably needs to find a little bit more of the footy, but when he does win it, he’s been pretty explosive.”