Essendon Vice-Captain Andrew McGrath admits there’s an array of disappointment Saturday’s loss to St Kilda was caused by his side’s lack of effort and intent.
The Bombers were outplayed by a hungrier Saints outfit, registering a 53-point loss in a match which would’ve seen the Dons keep their place in the top eight if they had won.
Reflecting on the disappointing result, McGrath concedes his side didn’t bring the energy which was required to execute their game plan, which has resulted in the Bombers precariously positioned two spots outside the top eight.
“We didn’t show up the way we wanted to yesterday. We didn’t bring the level of intensity to the game that’s required at AFL level, and when you don’t bring that, you’re found out pretty quickly,” McGrath told 7News Melbourne.
“It’s one of very few games this year where you leave with more questions than answers and there’s a lot of our game which didn’t go to plan. We’re bitterly disappointed, we’re hurting like our fans are and it was a pretty grim sleep (post-game), that’s safe to say.
“Effort in a game should be unconditional. We pride ourselves to bring that every week, that doesn’t require talent or any system or game plan. Quite frankly, a game plan doesn’t stack up when you don’t have a certain level of that.
The Bombers face three of the AFL’s current top four sides in their final quartet of matches this season, starting with Fremantle at the MCG this Sunday. With only two games separating 2nd from 10th, the season will go right down to the final round with Essendon sitting half a game outside of the top eight.
Rather than shy away from the challenge before them, McGrath says the Bombers will endeavour to do ‘everything in their power’ to return to the winner’s list.
“We’ve had an interesting month, it hasn’t looked the way we wanted it to. The pressure just builds, and that would be building regardless of whether we’re winning or losing at the moment,” McGrath said.
“We just have to bunker down and stick to what we do. There’s no point shying away from the reality that we’re in. We need to get back into form and get back into form quickly, and we’ll do everything in our power this week to get there.”
“To our fans and everyone who’s following us, we’re hurting just as much as you guys and we’re hellbent on getting things right this week and coming out on Sunday fit and firing and making amends for the last few weeks, because we know we haven’t been up to scratch. Our destiny is in our own hands and we need to respond.”
