Robert Shaw has praised Essendon’s work around the clearances, but says it was Geelong’s ability to cut off the Bombers forward 50 entries that proved the difference on Saturday.
The Bombers won the clearance count 38-27.
“To really beat up on the quality midfield that Geelong had through the clearances was an outstanding effort,” Shaw said.
“The work around the clearances, once again led by Matthew Leuenberger, was absolutely first class.
“It’s a great building block for the rest of the season.”
David Zaharakis (34), Orazio Fantasia (29), Zach Merrett (29) and Adam Cooney (28) were the key ball winners for the Bombers.
Darcy Parish (5) and Zaharakis (5) led the way around the clearances.
But capitalising on the edge in possessions (426-359) proved difficult.
Despite the 67-disposal differential, Geelong was still able to register more inside 50’s (50-40) and more marks inside 50 (19-9).
“The nullifying of Essendon’s entries into the forward 50 and being able to stop Joe Daniher was the only difference between the two sides,” Shaw said.
“We saw three experienced players in Lonergan, Taylor and Henderson being able to work together.
“The focus of clubs is going to Joe Daniher and the really experienced teams like the Hawthorn’s with Gibson, like Geelong with Taylor and Henderson are going to be able to asses the ball coming into the Essendon forward line and to be able to judge when to leave their men and go to Daniher.
“Most sides have two or three targets that take the attention of the backline players."
Essendon has one win from the first four games of the season, but of the 16 quarters played so far – the Bombers have only been convincingly outplayed in two (the first quarters against Gold Coast and Port Adelaide).
It took until the last quarter for the highly fancied Cats to kick away and Shaw said it demonstrates the improvement across the list.
“At the moment in the development of this team, it looks like the Essendon Footy Club have got their backline right – and I give a big tick to young (Michael) Hartley, one on one many times against Hawkins he was fantastic,” Shaw said.
“Matt Dea has come in and done a really good job at half back. You’ve got Fantasia and young ‘Walla’ off half back flanks – so it’s a really good developing area.
“The midfield is also developing, so Essendon at the moment I feel have got two-thirds of their side right, to be super competitive in this competition.”
