Essendon defender Adam Saad says trust and belief was behind the Bombers’ stirring comeback as the Bombers fell agonisingly short by four points against Collingwood on Anzac Day.
A slow start had the Bombers floundering late in the second term with just two goals to their name and 33 points adrift of the Magpies, but the Dons refused to give in.
Essendon booted three in a row to finish the term, with star forward Joe Daniher roosting a mammoth drop punt from well outside 50 to drag the side back within 15 points at the main change.
The fight wore on as the Bombers kicked three goals to two in the third quarter, then two to one in the last as they inched closer and closer, but it was just too late.
While disappointed with the costly start, Saad said the side’s ability to chase down Collingwood was a good show of faith in the club’s game play.
“It was a pretty slow start in that first quarter, but the way the boys fought through right to the final siren was really good.
“That’s something we’re really striving to do; being consistent over four quarters. The efforts today from the boys were really good.
“It’s just really backing our system and the way we play. It was a slow start, but we were really trusting each other and have belief that our game plan holds up against the best sides.
“I guess for us (our aim) is to start games really well and play consistently, but to really dig in today was really good by the boys.”
We gave it our all #AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/Icmo3nTuq6
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) April 25, 2019
Saad was terrific in the annual blockbuster, showing remarkable run and drive in both defence and attack.
He closed down opponents from seemingly impossible positions multiple times at the MCG on Thursday and was always on hand to help bust the ball out of the back half.
He finished with 19 disposals, five marks and five tackles – which does not do his efforts justice – and the dashing defender was typically modest about his performance.
“There’s always a few things you can work on when you go back and watch the tape.
“I tried in defence to take the game on.
“I cramped towards the end, but I just try to play my role for the team and do what I can.”
Essendon entered the game off three impressive victories and a key part of that strong recent form was the club’s youngest players’ ability to maintain their composure and fight bravely against their often more experienced opponents.
That trend continued against the Magpies with Matt Guelfi (17 disposals, at 94.1 per cent efficiency, six tackles and a goal), Jordan Ridley (18 disposals at 88.9 per cent and nine marks) and Mason Redman (14 disposals and seven marks) standing up again.
“Some of Guelfi’s contests out on the wing and in the midfield, Ridley and Mason as well in the goal square – it’s really inspirational seeing the boys there halving the contest or winning the contest,” Saad said.
“I think after the first quarter a lot of the boys did that, so that’s what we really want to bring to every game.”
Adam Saad says Matt Guelfi was 'inspirational' against Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday.
One of the Bombers’ star performers was Joe Daniher who was outstanding in his second senior game back after a near-year-long absence due to injury.
He endlessly provided options up the ground and looked at his confident best in the air and on the ground against the Pies, ending the game with 16 disposals, eight marks (four contested) and four goals.
Saad said the addition of Daniher is extremely valuable for the side.
“He’s a star, isn’t he?
“He kicked four goals, he provides a big option down forward and his pressure (is great) as well.
“He’s a really big presence and we’re really happy to have him back in the team.”
There's just something about Joe and this stage that mix #AFLDonsPies pic.twitter.com/xC0kjvK5yQ
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) April 25, 2019
The message from coach John Worsfold after the match was to avoid dwelling on the result ahead of Sunday week’s huge clash with Geelong in the Country Game.
Off the back of two six-day breaks, Saad is looking forward to some brief respite with a longer gap this time around.
“Of course, (we can take) big positives (out of the game). (Collingwood) made the Grand Final last year and lost by a goal.
“We’ll take the learnings out of it and review the game on Monday and Tuesday, and then look forward to Geelong next week.
“It’s disappointing, but (the message is) to recover now, review the game and we’ve got a game next week so we can’t really dwell on it.
“I’ll take a couple of days off, I’ll recover well, I’ll go eat my chocolate and sort of relax tonight and tomorrow.”
