In 2019 we will be looking back on five key lessons to take away from every Bombers match, thanks to RMIT.

This time we look at Essendon's disappointing elimination final loss to West Coast at Optus Stadium on Thursday.

1. You can build a team around McGrath

That is why Andrew McGrath was the first player picked in his draft year. He has been sensational since the day he became a Bomber, but he took his game to another level on Thursday.

From the very start of the game you could tell this young star was on, with his cool finish on the run to boot the opening goal of the final setting up what was to become an outstanding performance.

It was a polished game from the 21-year-old who made every possession count on a tough night for the side. His ability to be clean in the contest and mop up mistakes was inspiring, while his agility and athleticism was on show yet again.

Working tirelessly to the very end, McGrath finished the match with 30 disposals, six score involvements, five inside 50s, four rebound 50s, four clearances and a goal in a clear display of his talent and immensely bright future. 

2. Francis continues to raise the bar

Prior to this year, Aaron Francis had played just 10 games in three seasons. Thursday’s match was his 17th for the season and arguably his best in the red and black.

The defenders were under the pump as the Eagles piled on 67 inside 50s throughout the game, but Francis was able to stand up under the pressure.

He reads the flight of the ball as well as anyone in the club and flies for it with intent, while he also proves valuable at ground level as he weaves through congestion.

Francis claimed a career-high 20 disposals to go with six intercept possessions and four rebound 50s, providing another glimpse of his huge potential and finish the year on a personal high.

3. Saad’s value cannot be underestimated

The Bombers are at their best when Adam Saad is firing and while too few others were able to stand up to help him on Thursday, the dashing defender certainly played his part.

There aren’t many more watchable players than Saad and his tireless effort in his first ever final was mightily impressive.

Knowing the side needed to break the game open, Saad was a man on a mission with the Sherrin in his hand, taking on any opponent he could and challenging them to match his sensational speed.

After being restricted by the Eagles in round 14, he brilliantly broke away throughout the final to show he can’t continue to be tied down, eventually finishing with two cracking goals, 583 metres gained and four rebound 50s from his 18 disposals.

In fact, the performance may well be the deciding factor in this year’s Crichton Medal count in which Saad is tipped to be a leading contender for the best and fairest.

4. Essendon relies too much on its speed

As good as Saad was in his typical run and gun fashion, Thursday’s loss was a familiar reminder that the side can’t continue to rely on its speed.

When the Bombers’ natural style is shut down, they often struggle to drag their way back into the contest.

While they clearly tried to break the shackles and recreate their best football by driving the ball quickly through West Coast’s set-up, they were repeatedly forced to bomb it long to the Eagles’ well-drilled defenders.

The home side’s well-known plethora of intercepting defenders had a field day at Optus Stadium with 23 intercept marks, pouncing on Essendon’s disappointing ball use and exposing the Dons on the rebound.

If the side is to take the next step in the near future, strengthening its mid-game flexibility will be a key component of that rise.

5. It’s time to throw full support behind the VFL Dons

It’s always disappointing when the season has been cut short, but the VFL Bombers remain well and truly in the hunt for a premiership.

The injuries that damaged the senior team throughout the year have continuously had a knock-on effect on the VFL side, but the squad has continued to rise up to every challenge.

They took it up to the ladder-topping Tigers last week before being agonisingly chased down in the final term to suffer a two-point loss, but the positive early signs should instil plenty of belief in the largely inexperienced side.

The next challenge is a semi-final date with an in-form Werribee line-up this Sunday in what shapes to be a cracking contest, and the strengthened red and black side will be keen to atone for last week’s disappointment.

The first bounce is set for 2:10pm at Adcon Stadium and hopefully there will be plenty of support for the Dons as they look to bounce back to their best.