Head of Player Development Mark Neeld admits he’s happy with the steady improvement of the Bombers in the VFL this season.
The VFL Dons strung together consecutive victories for the first time in 2015 last weekend, and sit seventh on the ladder with four wins and three losses.
“Over the last two weeks there has been a consistency of effort right across the board, which is pleasing,” Neeld said.
“We’re getting to a stage now, nearly halfway through the season, where we’ve got four first-year players in the team and we’ve got a handful of second and third year players– so they’re all starting to understand what it’s like and how to play in a VFL team at an AFL club.”
Neeld says despite exposure to a curtain raiser at Etihad Stadium, the VFL side need to continue their solid streak of form.
“The experience to play on Etihad Stadium in a curtain raiser is outstanding.”
“But at the same time, irrespective of venue or time and all that sort of stuff– you’ve got to perform, which is what we’re after.”
Geelong sit eleventh on the ladder winning just two games in their opening seven rounds, however Neeld insists the Cats remain a formidable opponent.
“We know Geelong play a really exciting brand of football and they’re highly talented and well drilled.”
“We know if we’re going to beat Geelong we’re going to have to be on our guard for all four quarters and there’s a certain way that we want to play.
“We want to make sure that what Geelong is doing isn’t upsetting the way we want our young boys to play and we will take them head on.”
Livewire Shaun Edwards has been one of the better performers of late.
“Shaun has put together around three consistent performances, but there’s always little things that you want players to work on, and Shaun is the same as others in that regard.
“We know that he’s got a lot of offensive talent, and he’s working particularly hard on his defensive craft.
“Shaun is now at the stage where he needs to put another consistent performance on the table, and then another one– and that’s how young players get into the AFL side and stay there.
Speedster Lachlan Dalgleish played his second game back from an early season knee injury last week, as he attempts to recapture his scintillating pre-season form.
“Our Bombers fans would have got a real good look at Dalgleish throughout the NAB challenge, and everyone remembers that goal when he ran the length of Etihad Stadium and slotted it, which was great for his confidence.
“What we saw throughout and continue to see is that his ability and desire to use the speed that he’s got as well as defend.”
“Again it’s the ability to string together performances that the AFL coaches want to see and he’s in that boat.”
While youngster Jayden Laverde continues to exemplify his hunger for the contest as he learns his craft as a forward at VFL level.
“He’s a young and quite a powerful fella for his age and continues to show improvement, which is fantastic.
“He was emergency for the AFL last week, which is good recognition for hard work. There’s a few things in his game that we want him to tidy up, but he’s heading in the right direction.”
You can follow Saturday afternoon’s match LIVE and exclusive on Essendon VFL Live Radio, with the action set to get underway at 3.25pm. Log onto essendonfc.com.au and don’t miss a second of the action!
