Essendon defender Matt Dea says he’s relishing his second opportunity in the AFL but isn’t allowing himself to think too much about next season.
Dea played 31 games with Richmond before he was delisted at the end of last year having not played a senior match in 2015.
The 24 year old was destined for a season in the VFL, but when the vacancies on the Essendon list became available in January, he got on the front foot and has rarely looked back, playing 13 of a possible 14 games this year.
“It’s just nice to be getting the opportunity to play senior footy,” Dea told Bomber Radio.
“The best thing for me is just the continuity and being able to play week after week at the top level.
“I’m making a few little inroads but I’ve still got a way to go to get my game to where it needs to be.
“I’m loving the Club. It’s a really enjoyable place to be. The boys are great and I’m pretty happy.”
Dea is becoming a key part of a new look defence that has also featured first year Bombers Michael Hartley, James Kelly and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, as well as forward-turned-defender Patrick Ambrose.
“At the start of the season it was hard playing with guys you’d only really heard about and hadn’t said more than a couple of sentences to,” Dea said.
“Now we’re getting some really good camaraderie.
“It’s good getting that mateship and it’s going to translate on to the field as well as we learn which way a player turns and how they react in certain situations.”
The former Tiger’s biggest focus area is also a part of the game that has let the team down at various points throughout the season.
Dea wants to become more consistent – not just week-to-week, but within games.
“Being more consistent throughout quarters – I feel like I’ve had games where I’ve slipped and haven’t really done anything for a period of time in the game,” he said.
“So just being able to impact, whether I’ve got the footy in my hands or whether I’m in a defensive role and making some big spoils or tackles.
“Just that consistency throughout a whole match to take it to the next level.”
Dea wants to be an Essendon player next season, but he’s well aware there a number of hurdles to pass before he can sign on for 2017.
His priority at the moment is just playing his role each week. The Bombers would then need to select Dea in the National Draft for him to re-join the list.
“It is such a unique situation so I haven’t allowed myself to think beyond, as cliché’ as it is, each training session,” Dea said.
“I’d love to be here next year but I guess all I can really control is my preparation for each game and then hopefully be able to perform on game day.
“If I can be performing at the end of the year then maybe I’ll get another look but that’s really out of my control so if I can prepare well and give myself the best chance then hopefully it’ll all work out.”
