In 2019 we will be looking back on five key lessons to take away from every Bombers match, thanks to RMIT.

This time we look into Essendon's stirring victory over Melbourne at the MCG on Friday night.

1. Essendon’s leaders shouldn’t be doubted

There was plenty of heat on the club after a disappointing start to the year where losses to Greater Western Sydney and St Kilda had the Bombers sitting in 17th place and in need of a breakthrough.

A lot of the media heat had been directed at the side’s leaders, but they responded brilliantly against Melbourne.

Skipper Dyson Heppell (27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, five clearances, five inside 50s and two goal assists) was phenomenal leading the way in the midfield, with his repeat efforts showing just why he is the right person in charge.

An inspiring example of this leadership took place in the third term when he was poleaxed but bounced back immediately to reclaim the ball, which Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti eventually put through the big sticks to end the play.

But it wasn’t just Heppell standing up for his side, with fellow leadership group members Zach Merrett (26 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven inside 50s and six clearances) and Orazio Fantasia (21 disposals, 10 marks, four inside 50s and two goals) also putting together their best games this season. 

2. Efficiency isn’t the be all and end all

Don’t get me wrong, efficient ball use is very important, but new Bomber Dylan Shiel showed on Friday that you can still put together an outstanding performance without leading the way in that space.

There was some external post-game criticism of Shiel due to his disposal efficiency of 51.6 per cent against the Demons, but it seems strange to think that they were watching the very same game.

He finished the match with 31 disposals, 13 contested possessions, eight inside 50s and five clearances, impressing with his sensational speed busting out of the contest to drive the ball forward.

Shiel hit the goal post twice and only ever so slightly overcooked a couple of inside 50s that narrowly missed their target, so he was mere inches away from a clear best-on-ground performance. It was a great glimpse into why the club worked so hard to secure his duties.

 
Dylan Shiel handballs under pressure against the Demons on Friday.

3. The Bombers’ aerobic capacity stands up

Losing a player just 10 minutes into an extremely important match is never easy, particularly when it’s one of your best runners. That’s exactly what happened to the Bombers on Friday with young midfielder Kobe Mutch suffering an unfortunate hamstring injury.

Fellow on-baller Devon Smith was also forced from the ground for 20 minutes to undertake a concussion test, severely restricting rotations.

Taking Mutch and Smith out, Essendon’s players averaged 86.6 per cent time on the ground compared to Melbourne’s 81.6, yet they still outran their opponents and won the game through speed and aggression in the contest.

Gut running, combined with a strong set up and impressive ball movement, also allowed the Dons to take an enormous 16 marks inside 50 against the Dees after taking just 14 in the previous two weeks combined.

4. Fun football is good football

There was a clear theme when we spoke to Devon Smith and Orazio Fantasia after the exciting win; the Bombers were having fun.

From the very beginning of the game it was clear that the players had collectively taken a positive approach into the match.

A strong start to the game booting six goals to Melbourne’s three had the Dons up and about, with celebrations for each major clearly more buoyant than recent weeks.

There were smiles plastered all over their faces throughout the match and the side’s positivity clearly had an impact after a tough opening to the season.

5. It is too easy to overreact

Club legend Kevin Sheedy had an important message speaking on club podcast The Essential Listen last Thursday. He said the criticism of the Bombers had been an overreaction off the back of the side’s two disappointing losses to start the year.

The four-time premiership coach and Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend clearly knows what he’s talking about, because the Bombers showed how quickly you can turn your form around.

While it is natural to make assumptions based off the first fortnight of the season, it’s important to understand that it can take time for sides to find their feet.

This still applies heading into what will be a tough challenge against the unbeaten Lions next Saturday, but hopefully the Dons can take confidence out of Friday’s win and continue to fly up.

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