ESSENDON’S Angus Monfries – who played on his childhood hero Andrew McLeod against Adelaide on Friday night – says the Bombers “had a real crack” as they attempted to redeem themselves after a string of poor performances.

Monfries quelled McLeod’s usually creative run off the half-back line, which was the task given to him by coach Matthew Knights.

“McLeod’s run sets up a lot of play, so I was given the role to take him out of the game and stop his run,” Monfries told SEN.

He restricted the Adelaide champion to 17 disposals, while picking up 13 himself, most of which were effective.

Monfries said he had been working hard at training with assistant coach Scott Camporeale to improve his kicking.

“The last month I have been getting a bit of the ball, but my disposal has been letting me down,” he said.

Monfries believed the turnaround in Essendon’s fortunes began at half time of last week’s clash with Adelaide, when Knights blasted his players after a dismal effort in the first half.

“We took that up where we left off last night,” he said.

“The theme was to play one-on-one footy, to beat your man and to be accountable. And our contested ball and hard-ball gets were up last night.”

Monfries said his ambition remained to play permanently in the midfield, naming Scott Thompson, Lenny Hayes and Luke Ball as players he hoped to emulate, although he acknowledged the need to get stronger and to improve his fitness to get there.

“Taking the next step is the key. When he get an opportunity in the midfield you need to take it, and win a lot of the footy."