Versatile defender Matt Dea says Saturday’s 10-point win over Box Hill at home showed maturity among the playing group and a promising future for the back six. 

The VFL Dons arm-wrestled with the reigning premiers for nearly the entire match, before breaking out to a two-goal lead late in the last quarter.

Unlike previous weeks where the win was determined earlier in the game, Dea said being challenged to the final siren was a good learning experience.

“It was a really mature win – it took us right to the end to get the result and that’s pleasing to see.

“I think in past games we’ve had it won by half-time or early into the third, but it just shows a really mature and balanced playing group, and one that trusts our game plan.

“It’s promising to see, and will hold us in good stead for the rounds to come.”

Dea also credited the back six for their efforts as a group, especially when dealing with the hot footy Box Hill brought at times.

“We just had to set up early. As a backline, we were a little bit poor in the first half, and then we really got together and made a pact to set up a lot quicker and come up the ground earlier.

“From there we were able to hold it in our half, which made us look really strong as a backline.”

Matt Dea has been a crucial component of Essendon VFL's resolute defence. (Photo: AFL Media)

Now in his fourth season as a Bomber with 70 senior games to his name, Dea is one of the more experienced defenders lining up for Essendon VFL.

But he said the abundance of young talent in the Dons’ back half was just as important to the future of the club.

“(Being a) defender can be a pretty tough role - you’ve really got to come back, play your role, and do the basics and all the boys do that really well.

“‘Zerky’ (Brandon Zerk-Thatcher) is playing some really good footy in the last few weeks especially, and it’s really good to see him play on an AFL-standard forward (Jarryd Roughead).

“(To be able) to nullify him and then still impact elsewhere is really good for Zerky, and then there’s guys like ‘Wils’ (Wilson Berry) as well who bring a lot of energy.

“It’s just a really fun backline at the moment with everyone playing their role and no one really standing out – (everyone) is doing a great job.”

Young defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is making a big impression on Matt Dea. (Photo: AFL Media)

From an individual perspective, Dea played a key part in the round 11 win with 22 disposals, 11 marks and two rebound 50s, but said he was always looking for ways he can help the team. 

“I probably got a few cheap (disposals) towards the end of the game, but I base my game on how I can help the rest of the team.

“It’s nice to get a little bit more of the footy, but our focus is just the back six all playing their role and nullifying the forwards. We did that really well so it was a promising performance.”

Dea spent the bye weekend away with his girlfriend Danielle, and while he said it “took a little bit to get back” into the game himself, he was proud of how the boys responded after having some time off.

“We started really well, which is a good sign because sometimes (coming back after the bye) you can be a bit sluggish.

“It was good to have some time away and now knuckle down for the rest of the season.”

He also hoped the VFL Dons could continue their form into Sunday’s battle against standalone side Port Melbourne, which currently sits just above Essendon on the ladder in second spot.

“(Next week) will probably be a bit similar - I don’t think we will crack Port Melbourne in the first quarter and then cruise around for the rest of the game, I think it will be a longer sort of arm-wrestle.

“If we can take away from how we performed today and trust the way we play, then we’ll be fine.

“They’re a really good outfit and tend to be a bit older and a bit bigger-bodied so it will take some grunt work inside from our mids, but I’m very confident in them.”

The first bounce will be at Adcon Stadium on Sunday, June 23 from 2:10pm, with the game televised on Channel 7.

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.