Essendon coach John Worsfold described his side’s terrific 34-point defeat of Geelong on Saturday as a “small step” in the right direction after the match.
He contained his emotions after the victory, but said it was important for the team to enjoy the win.
“Consistently over four quarters, we were seeing more of what we want to do,” Worsfold said.
“They deserve to feel satisfied with that, but we know that’s one small step for where we want to get to.
“We’ve got a lot of hard work to do to get to where we want to get to and that’s what we’ll keep focusing on.”
While he stressed the importance of keeping a lid on expectations after the strong performance, it was hard not to get excited by the style of the win.
The Bombers reverted to the scintillating, line-breaking speed that tore up the Cats in the corresponding Country Game last year and exploded out of the blocks to immediately put their star-studded opponent on the back foot.
Shaun McKernan was one of the driving forces behind Essendon’s terrific start, booting three first-quarter goals in his second game of the season to reward what Worsfold said was the best pre-season in his time at The Hangar.
“If you ask him he’d say it was probably his best pre-season he’s ever had.
“He set a real benchmark in terms of his work ethic through the pre-season and then that form has carried through.
“He’s had to wait for his opportunities, but we knew he was going to be able to perform well when they came.”
While Essendon recorded the same number of tackles (91) as it had against Carlton in its disappointing round eight loss, it was the less measurable perceived pressure forced upon the Cats that highlighted its aggression on Saturday.
It was a brutal performance from the Dons as they savaged Geelong in and out of the contest.
At quarter-time the Bombers had laid 36 tackles and led inside-50s with 21 to Geelong’s 12, and by half-time they had already made 58 tackles and led by 44 points as the Cats struggled to find space and time to use the ball cleanly.
Forwards Orazio Fantasia, Jake Stringer, Mark Baguley and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti eventually had 28 tackles between them, while midfielders Devon Smith (10) and Kyle Langford (eight) were ruthless in the contest.
Worsfold praised the leadership of Dyson Heppell (28 disposals, 16 contested possessions and five clearances) on and off the field throughout the challenging period for the club in which it had slumped to six losses from its last seven matches.
“Dyson’s a very harsh marker on himself, he’s been outstanding for us this year in the way he’s played and the way he’s led (the team).”
He also said he always had faith that the side could put its season back on course sooner rather than later.
“I know they’ve got that performance in them and I know that we’re still learning a lot about each other and our roles.
“And they had a really good week on the track around where we believed we could perform better together, our understanding.
“So full credit to them for the way they talked and worked through that.”
Essendon will look to make it two-straight wins against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium next Saturday.
All Essendon guernseys worn by the Bombers in the Country Game can be purchase by auction HERE.