Essendon could well lay claim to the best key position players in the game at the moment.

That’s the assessment of Bombers champion Scott Lucas following the side’s win over West Coast.

Joe Daniher and Michael Hurley were at their influential best as the Dons outpointed a top four opponent for the second week in a row.

Daniher kicked another bag of five goals against West Coast, following up from his five-goal performance against Geelong.

He’s booted 13.2 in the last three game to take his season tally to 26.18, which is number six overall across the competition.

Hurley leads the competition for rebounds from the defensive 50 and has recorded 19 or more possessions each game this season.

“Both (Daniher and Hurley) give their team enormous confidence,” Lucas said.

“You know the ‘mids’ will get the ball in quick knowing you’ve got a good target up there (Daniher).

“’Hurls’ is controlling the backline – his intercept marking is outstanding and his long kicking really creates play.

“It’s possible, you could argue without putting any pressure on the boys, that perhaps the best key back and the best key forward in the competition at the minute are playing for Essendon.”

Lucas said the recent wins show the team is starting to play with an increased level of synergy.

“We heard John (Worsfold) speak about it earlier in the year – that the cohesion wasn’t quite there yet, it’s [now] clearly coming along,” he said.

“We’re starting to see the players that returned hit their straps as well and the young players bob up as well and really contributed in both of the wins.

“It’s a sign of maturity and growth in the team, [against] two quality opponents they’ve been able to come out and started those games well ... then continued that on, it’s really pleasing for the Club.”