Essendon’s defence across the field was the hallmark of their improvement in 2014, ranking in the top four in the competition for points conceded.

It has been a weakness of Bombers sides in recent seasons but was an area of huge growth throughout the season.

The intensity around the contest and pressure up the field from forwards and midfielders led to the improvement from the club’s defenders.

Assistant coach Matthew Egan said it was an area of focus during the pre-season and exciting to see the team’s ability to implement it during the season.

“I think team defence definitely improved, we haven’t finished in the top ten in defence for about ten years so finishing fourth is a good result,” he said.

“We probably let ourselves down a bit the last six weeks with our team defence when we got scored pretty heavily against compared to the rest of the season.”

“I think all over the ground our team defence definitely improved and that comes from forwards putting good pressure on, midfielders being accountable and defenders get the result of what those guys do.”

“So it was definitely all over the field defence that has seen us grow in that area this season.”

This growth area across the field led to a number of impressive performances from the Bombers back six during 2014.

Cale Hooker is set to be named in the All Australian side, Mark Baguley complete his most consistent season since making his debut and Michael Hurley looked settled in a key post down back.

The improvement in defence is sure to hold this Essendon side in good stead heading into an all-important 2015 season.