Football expert Robert Shaw says the decision to send Joe Daniher into the ruck early in the game against North Melbourne, was one the reasons the key forward was able to produce a strong performance.

Daniher finished with two goals, seven marks and 16 possessions in the Bombers narrow defeat.

“I was very pleased with Joe Daniher’s game, he was sent into the ruck very early and it got him into the game,” Shaw said. 

“It’s no use him standing in the forward pocket and calling for long, high balls, that’s not doing the team any good or his own development.

“He had a very good performance.”

Essendon fell behind by 52 points early in the third term but were able trim the deficit steadily in the second half.

Shaw said the Bombers runners were able to get on top. 

“It was a pleasing team performance – eight goals to two after half time,” he said. 

“They (North Melbourne) brought in Majak Daw but still kept in Brown, Waite, Petrie and Goldstein.

“Once North started to tire, that opened the door for Essendon’s running game.

“The opportunity was there for Essendon’s running brigade – Parish, these sort of boys – to really get going and run at them.

“Whether it was a freeing up of spirit, or allowing them to play more or the positivity of the half-time address, Essendon actually attacked North Melbourne’s defence very, very well.

“Their skills improved, they maintained possession of the ball but at the same time they lifted the tempo of their game.” 

Despite the impressive comeback, Shaw said the Essendon Coaching staff would need to closely scrutinise the first half.

“It was an extraordinary game – the first half not scoring a goal and then the second half (was) chalk and cheese and gave a lot of people, not satisfaction, but a real lift in their spirits,” he said.

“Despite the positivity and the spirit, the Essendon coaches are going to have to go through this very, very closely because North Melbourne were able to set up their defence, they were able to control the tempo of the game and they allowed Essendon to overuse the ball again.

“At least John was able to go in at half-time and saw while our score isn’t great, they haven’t blown us away.”