Young Essendon midfielder Matt Guelfi says he believes he belongs on the big stage after another impressive performance in the Bombers’ seven-point defeat of Fremantle on Saturday.
Guelfi put together one of the best games of his career in the match, showing great grit and determination in gathering 17 disposals (at 88.2 per cent efficiency), five marks, five inside 50s and a goal assist.
Those numbers fail to do the onballer justice, because it was his defensive output that saw him shine against the Dockers.
Ruthless tackles, diving smothers and repeat efforts were key features of Guelfi’s standout performance at Marvel Stadium as his confidence continues to grow.
“I’m finally finding my feet at AFL level, which is really good,” Guelfi said post-match.
“I’m believing I belong out there now and just playing my role for the team is the main thing.
“100 per cent, that (defensive work is) my game. I can’t say my cue word on camera, because it’s a bit rude, but it’s about defensive acts.”
Woosha: I'm proud of the boys. Guelfi had some big moments, particularly with his defensive acts.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 18, 2019
Guelfi said it was great to get back on the winners list and he had faith that the side would hold on as Fremantle surged to the line with the final three goals of the game.
“It’s awesome finally getting a win. We still didn’t play a consistent four quarters of footy, but we’re getting there.
“This week we’re not going to ride the rollercoaster, we’ll still do the edits the same and still do our craft the same.
“It got a bit nerve-racking at the end, but we’ll back ourselves in.
“There were a few goals late by them, so as I said before, it’s not a four-quarter effort, but we were confident.”
Those sweet sounds of victory ❤️#MightyBombers pic.twitter.com/F572vfInaz
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 18, 2019
The most memorable moment from the dour clash was undoubtedly star recruit Dylan Shiel’s first goal in the red and black, and Guelfi heaped praised on the midfielder who went on to boot two in another sensational performance.
“It was a long time coming but he’s finally kicked it and he kicked two,” he said.
“Dyl’s been amazing since he has come to the club, he’s got a wealth of knowledge, so it was good to get around him and show our care for him.”
One noticeable change in the match was senior coach John Worsfold’s decision to coach from the bench, a tactic rarely seen from the experienced leader.
Guelfi was taken by surprise when he first sat on the pine, but he said it was helpful as a young player to have Worsfold in the clinches.
“It was a bit weird. I heard his voice and I turned around, I didn’t realise it was him.
“Woosha’s got a wealth of knowledge, so it was awesome.”
The Bombers will look to continue their rise when they take on Richmond in next Saturday’s Dreamtime at the G match.
