Essendon Coach John Worsfold has once again praised the defensive efforts of Patty Ambrose following yesterday’s game.
The young defender went toe-to-toe with Richmond’s power forward Jack Riewoldt for the second time this year and once again came out on top.
Ambrose bettered his round 10 performance against Riewoldt where he managed to restrict him to just two goals and 13 disposals.
This time, the 24-year old held Riewoldt goalless for the first time this season.
Worsfold, praised Ambrose’s development as a defender believing he has only shown the beginnings of what he truly is capable of.
“He’s still raw at an AFL level and raw as a defender,” said Worsfold
“Everyone loves having Patty in the team because he has that real grit to want to get the best out of himself.
“He keeps learning and keeps adding value to us.”
Essendon has also been trialling Conor McKenna in a new role over the last two weeks with positive signs.
The Irishman played the majority of his first year with Essendon VFL as a dangerous small forward, showing an ability to find the goals consistently.
This year, however, has seen the development coaches rotate the youngster through both the midfield and backline in order to add depth to his game.
The move down back seems to be a positive one with McKenna able to use his natural speed and his accurate kicks to break lines and move the ball forward.
McKenna was solid yesterday collecting 15 possessions (six contested), three rebound 50s and two inside 50s.
After falling devastatingly close once again yesterday afternoon, the boys will be heading into next week’s game against Brisbane full of confidence.
The 19-point loss caps off what has been an improved month of football for the club, but Worsfold is still adamant that the boys have a strong desire for that elusive second win.
"We're desperate, not so much to avoid last spot but to win,” said Worsfold
“We want to win through our effort and start to build and get to know what it feels like to be a winning team.
“We'll be aiming for that.”
