In 2019 we will be looking back on five key lessons to take away from every Bombers match, thanks to RMIT, starting with Essendon’s clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

1. Adam Saad has All-Australian potential

Off the back of an outstanding inaugural year in red and black in 2018, hopes were high for the future of speedster Adam Saad. The dashing defender hasn’t disappointed in the opening fortnight of the 2019 season, once again displaying his incredible talent on a tough day for the Bombers on Saturday.

Saad’s speed is his greatest asset, allowing him to chase down his opponents and counterattack with purpose. His ability to break the lines and drive the ball forward is as good as any defender in the league, and his willingness to take risks makes him very hard to hold back.

A tidy user of the ball, Saad gathered 19 disposals at 89.5 per cent efficiency against the Saints and still did the tough stuff with five tackles and five one percenters. At just 24 years of age, chances are that Saad’s best football still lies ahead of him, and if he can maintain his efforts and improvement then an All-Australian nod is well within reach. 

2. Michael Hurley is still in his prime

No one can ever doubt the efforts of Michael Hurley, who once again gave his all for the side on the weekend. An extremely passionate player, the key defender fought bravely in an impressive performance that kept the Bombers in touch when the game was in the balance.

The 29-year-old was at the top of his game, claiming 23 disposals, nine rebound 50s and a remarkable 14 marks as he weathered the storm and held up powerfully in the back half.

It was an effort that proved there is plenty of good football ahead of the experienced defender and his raw post-game interview highlighted his motivation for club success. 

3. Essendon must recapture its enthusiasm

While the Bombers displayed plenty of desire after the main change, it was a game of two halves that lacked the early energy that became a staple of the side’s gameplay late last year.

The team is at its most dangerous when playing instinctively and showing great flair and dash to sling the ball from defence to attack and lock the ball inside its own half.

We saw that play return in patches throughout the second half, particularly in the third term when some moments of courage and desperation helped lift the side’s confidence and saw the Dons worry the Saints.

Essendon’s upcoming clash with Melbourne presents as a great opportunity to put together four quarters of exciting football, recapture some confidence and get the year back on track.

4. St Kilda is no pushover in 2019

Public perception of the Saints entering the season suggested the young side may struggle this year, but the team quietly put together an impressive pre-season and has shown plenty of fighting qualities so far in the home and away season.

After beating North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs – who have since recorded two impressive victories – St Kilda battled bravely to score a narrow win over Gold Coast in round one, with the Suns going on to knock off Fremantle on Sunday.

St Kilda didn’t allow the Bombers to settle into the game early at Marvel Stadium, applying strong pressure and taking the game on to put Essendon on the back foot early in the contest.

But it was the team’s second-half effort, when bunkering down and holding off a much-improved showing from Dons, that showed the Saints are far from an easy beat this year. 

5. Faithful fans lead the way again

Off the back of a disappointing effort in round one, a massive turn out on Saturday was an amazing show of faith from the club’s committed fan base.

The atmosphere in the lead-up to the clash was powerful and the eventual tally of 44,252 fans, predominantly Bombers, was outstanding.

While the Bombers were unable to deliver the desired result, the first home game of the year showed once again that the true red and black army sticks with the side through thick and thin.