Essendon senior coach Ben Rutten faced the media at Optus Stadium on Thursday ahead of the Bombers' Dreamtime in Perth blockbuster against Richmond.
Here are five key takeaways from his media conference.
1. Praise for WA Bomber support
With a sell-out crowd on the cards for Saturday night, Rutten was full of praise for the club’s WA supporter base.
After a heavy Dons presence in last week’s crowd against the Eagles, Rutten can’t wait to see red and black pack the rafters at Optus Stadium.
“Outside of Melbourne, it’s (WA) our biggest supporter base,” Rutten said.
“It certainly felt like it last week against West Coast.
“(It’s great) to have the support we had and the evidence this week is that we’ve got such a big following for Essendon over here.”
2. Normal prep the key
Following last week’s win over West Coast, Essendon was scheduled to fly back home ahead of this weekend’s scheduled Dreamtime at the ‘G match.
Victoria’s unsettled COVID-19 situation resulted in the Bombers staying another week in Perth, which has included a full main training session on Optus Stadium.
Pressed on whether this poses an advantage over a quarantined Richmond (still in Sydney), Rutten wouldn’t be drawn into confirming it would be, saying he’s happy to have a normal week of prep.
“It’s been as good as it can be,” Rutten said.
“What advantage we get, who knows. We’ve just been trying to make the week as normal as we can.”
3. Privileged to play
Dreamtime in Perth marks the 17th instalment of the Dreamtime match founded by Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy.
As the WA public embraces the marquee game, Rutten will ensure his playing group knows the history and meaning behind why the annual contest between the Dons and Tigers is held with such importance.
“The players need to understand and respect the occasion,” Rutten said.
“The privileged position we’re in to be able to play on this stage and Dreamtime is such a fantastic occasion for so many people.”
“Our guys are really thankful and appreciative of the opportunity we get.”
4. Wright unavailable
The Bombers will again be without tall forward Peter Wright for Saturday night’s blockbuster clash.
After fellow forward Will Snelling recently had surgery on a fractured thumb sustained against West Coast, the senior coach confirmed Essendon would still be without Wright who has not recovered from a calf injury.
“He won’t be available this week,” Rutten said.
“We’re really hopeful after the bye that he’ll be back available.”
5. Stopping ‘Dusty’
Essendon is preparing to stop one of the modern greats when it tackles the Tigers in Perth.
Two-time Yiooken Award winner (best on ground in a Dreamtime game) Dustin Martin was a focal point of questioning during Rutten’s Perth presser.
As he looks to limit the Tigers’ premier player, Rutten said it will take a team effort to stop Martin’s influence on the big stage.
“We know he’s a great player,” Rutten said.
“He’s fantastic and he’s been able to perform on the big stage multiple times. We know the calibre of player that he is. It’s going to take a full team responsibility.
“We understand the way he plays, he’s just really difficult to stop.
“Dusty is just one player in their team, obviously a fantastic player, but they’ve been doing what they do for a long time now so we’re aspiring to get to that level."
