Mason Redman says the team will take confidence from the grit shown in the win over Fremantle.
The Bombers snapped a three-game losing streak on the back of its resolute defence, gradually wearing down the Dockers to emerge seven-point winners.
Although Saturday night was an uncharacteristic low-scoring, dour affair for Essendon, young defender Redman said he was pleased with the team’s performance.
“Before the game, we spoke about the word grit. It did take us the whole 120 minutes to grind them down but we were able to do it,” Redman told RSN 927.
“Knowing that we were able to go out on the weekend (and grind out the win) was really pleasing.
“We had a short meeting on how Fremantle play, but most of the focus throughout the week was about us playing our style of football, implementing our defensive systems and our ball movement methods.
“We knew if we brought that game style on the weekend, we could get the job done, even if it was only by a tight margin.”
Essendon’s tally of 60 points was its lowest winning score so far this season.
Redman said the group expected Fremantle to slow its game.
“If you have a look at Fremantle’s season, their form throughout the year and the games they’ve played, they have all been pretty low-scoring, contested and tight affairs,” Redman said.
“I think we would’ve been kidding ourselves if we thought we were going to get a really wide open and high-scoring game, but we were able to better for longer on the day.”
After round nine, the Bombers are sitting 10th on the ladder with four wins and five losses.
Redman acknowledged the side's inconsistency so far this year.
“Our ball movement hasn’t been the best, we have made a few turnovers across the field which has really hurt us,” he said.
“When we are at our best, taking the game on and hitting targets, we can achieve high scores, but I think this year we have had a strong focus on making sure we are also consistent in our defence.
“We need to look to stop the opposition scoring and then shift the focus to setting up our offensive game.”
The Bombers will play Richmond this Saturday night in the iconic Dreamtime at the ‘G game.
