Assistant coach Dean Wallis answers your searching questions this week in ‘Ask the Coach’. Wally addresses the Bombers’ poor skill level last week against Geelong and discusses the current form of full-back Dustin Fletcher.

Q. The Bombers skills between Round 3 and 8 were exceptional. However, why is it that everything falls apart in regards to skill when we are playing quality opposition? (Orry Kara)
A. Due to the pressure that Geelong put on us last week, our skill level dropped off. We know this is unacceptable and an area we are working on. We will learn from that for tonight’s game. A primary focus of our training this week was on improving our skills. We actively work on improving our skill level throughout the year and our younger players do extra skill sessions each week as part of their development program.

Q. Last Saturday night at times of the game you would rotate Mark Johnson and Dean Solomon into defence instead of up forward. Why were these implemented because we lost our strength and power around stoppages and constantly lost run of the game. (Josh Lowe)
A. Due to the intensity and speed of the game we have to rotate players through the midfield. This also gives other players an opportunity to come in. There is no question that Dean Solomon and Mark Johnson have both been excellent additions to the midfield area this season. Their attack on the ball has been second to none, however they can not spend the entire match in the midfield.

Q. I just want to know how Courtney Johns is progressing and when can we expect to see him back after recovering from his hip injury? (Simon Flagg)
A. Courtney is current over in Perth with his family recovering from surgery on his hip. He will start rehabilitation in the coming week and because of the nature of the injury it is just a matter of monitoring his progress and not planning too far in advance.

Q. It appears that Dustin Fletcher is totally concerned with making sure his opponent’s body is not in a position to obtain possession instead of getting behind the ball and basically attacking the football – is it a total loss of confidence or is he acting under instruction? (Ken Speers)
A. Ever since Dustin was 17-years-old he has played on superstars of the competition. He approaches each game and opponent as he sees fit. He is a quality full-back with over 200 games experience and I will back Dustin Fletcher every time he takes the field for Essendon Football Club.

The way he plays is not a confidence issue or direction from the coaching staff. By his own admission he is not playing to the level he would like and I am sure you will see a much improved performance from Dustin tonight against Fremantle.