Essendon VFL vice-captain Danny Younan says belief and trust are what motivated the final-term fightback on Saturday afternoon against Richmond, despite falling three points short of victory.
Trailing by 23 points at the main break, the Dons gave their all in a gusty attempt – which included kicking the final four goals - to try and snatch the win from the ladder-leading Tigers in the VFL’s Indigenous Round.
“We had trust in our structure and good connections between all three lines –we just had that belief,” Younan said post-match.
“I guess that’s a good thing moving forward, to show that if we can put all aspects into a bundle then we can take it to anyone.”
Knowing a four-quarter effort was required, Younan admitted allowing Richmond a four-goal-to-one opening term hurt Essendon the most.
“It was a really good contest in the end – they’re the best team in the competition, but it just shows (what happens) if you’re on the back foot early.
“To be chasing the tail of the best side in the competition, we probably had to do our work early."
While it was a proud and mighty effort to get so close to the four points, Younan says a lot was learned about the playing group.
“The biggest thing is probably (parts of) our structure – even late we probably fell short in a couple of areas, so that shows we need to be diligent in that to be able to score heavily, especially in that last quarter.
“I guess we learned from the first half, but we also learned from the second half what we are capable of doing.”
Essendon has establised itself as one of the VFL's strongest teams in 2019. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)
Younan impacted the game and led by example, putting pressure on the contest and even slotting a late goal to bring the Dons within 10 points.
He recorded 16 disposals, five marks and three tackles, but was involved in a number of plays throughout the day.
“I’m probably my harshest critic. I was good in patches but I’ve got to be more consistent over four quarters,” he said.
Stepping up from deputy vice-captain to co vice-captain this season, Younan said he hds “settled into his role nicely” and credited the support of the other leadership group members.
“I think (this role) has been good. Obviously (I have) good support with ‘Buddha’ (Heath Hocking) as the other vice-captain and ‘Hepp’ (captain Aaron Heppell) doing the super role, but we’re all working in conjunction with each other so it’s been good.”
Younan also reflected on the day’s significance, which recognises and celebrates Indigenous talent.
“It’s pretty special (to be part of). There was a pretty big build-up during the week, but to see blokes like ‘Mozzie’ (Irving Mosquito) impact today as well - it’s a great occasion,” he said.
Irving Mosquito celebrates one of his two goals against the Tigers. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)
Essendon will look to bounce back when it faces Northern Blues at Windy Hill from 11:40am on Sunday.
“We’ve got an eight-day break now, so there’s a couple of sore boys but we’ll recover for the Sunday game and then look to get the four points there,” Younan said.
“Northern Blues are a good outfit, and they’ve been good for many years but we’ll put our best foot forward.”
The match will be broadcasted live on Channel 7.
Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.
