Not Panic Stations For The Bombers Yet | Thebigtip

And another team coming off a bye bites the dust.

One would think that in a fierce competition such as the AFL where the physical demands on the players are almost at tipping point, the bye would be welcomed; not only to rest the battered and bruised body whilst watching everyone else get knocked about chasing leather, but to also freshen up the body and mind to help prepare for the rest of the season's mini-battles. Since the season began, the dreaded bye has claimed many victims in the following week. The Suns twice, the Crows, the Kangaroos, the Lions, the Bulldogs, the Demons, the Swans, the Dockers, the Magpies, the Blues and now the latest casualty, the Bombers. The only teams to have beaten the curse, are the Saints, Eagles, Cats and Hawks, who have done so only against very average opposition to say the least.

The latest victims in Essendon, who have been touted by most media outlets as "contenders" this season after some brave performances, are now being touted as "pretenders" by the very same cycles that pumped them up only weeks earlier. Since putting nearly 200 on The Gold Coast in round 6, The Dons have been slowly dropping their intensity. Against the Demons, there were periods in the game where players were actually walking as red and blue jumpers streamed past them in numbers.

Rookie coach James Hird has preached his philosophy vehemtly and has been very open in informing pundits which direction he wants the club to go. Improvement through hard work and diligence seems to be his mantra. "Judge us from now on" were Hird's words prior to the Melbourne match, emphasising that the strong efforts that the players had put in during previous rounds would count for nothing if they couldn't back up and continue thier good form. As disappointed as Bombers fans may be at their worst performance so far this season, looking at the squad and the remainder of the season, now is not the time to panic. Essendon's best 22 is very good but like most sides, if you have almost half of you're best 22 not playing, you are going to struggle.

When you have names like Watson, Hocking, Hurley, Pears, Winderlich, Gumbleton, Dempsey, Welsh, Prismall, Reimers and possibly Davey and Williams not on the team sheet, you're going off the players that are. Apart from Winderlich and Dempsey, the rest of these names will start to filter back into the team as of next week and it is an understatement to say that they will be very much required.


The Highlights

Dyson Heppell
He has had an outstanding debut season and has been easily one of Essendon's best this season. Essendon, in recent times, has had a history of under-performing top draft picks but Heppell seems to be the real deal. He has shown almost Hird-like qualities on the field. Not only did he perform brilliantly on the big stage on ANZAC Day but he has been consistent week in week out when a number of his teammates have gone missing.

Stewart Crameri
Got his chance off the rookie list after being drafted from the VFL and it's fair to say that he has clasped his opportunity with two firm hands. Has been outstanding as a medium forward this season when Essendon have struggled to find a permanent full forward. He has the hard body and courage that the Bombers have seemed to lack in recent years.

Michael Hibberd
Another gem picked up in the Pre-Season draft. Another gutsy "hard at it" type who already has surely cemented his spot in the defence. Unlike most rugged defenders, he can win the contested ball and create.

Dustin Fletcher
The oldest man in the AFL has been brilliant this season and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Fletcher has been a rock down back in the absense of Tayte Pears and has been instrumental in Essendon's new found defensive pressure.

Ben Howlett
He was promoted to the senior list this season and has shown why. He is good in the clinches and skillful by foot whilst winning plenty of the ball and will only get better with more consistent support around him.

Jobe Watson
The captain was in Brownlow form before being hit with a hamstring strain. He has developed into the complete player now. Once just an "in and under" specialist, he now runs, creates and kicks goals. Watson improved his skill level dramatically and the Bombers will need him if they are going to be anywhere near September.

David Zaharakis
Zaharakis seems to be realising his full potential under the guidance of Hird and looks to be developing into a speedy and classy midfielder/forward who can flick the switch and hurt opponents.

Tom Bellchambers
The big man has stolen the number 1 ruck mantle off David Hille with some strong performances this season. He fits the bill for the modern day ruckman. He is big and strong, runs well, wins the ball around the ground, has strong hands and can play as a full foward.

Heath Hocking
He has become an unlikely elite player; a coaches dream. Hocking stops opposing midfielders and gets a heap of the ball himself. He runs hard, plays hard and has earnt the right to be part of the leadership group.


The Lowlights

Paddy Ryder
After a breakthrough season last year, he looked primed to go up a gear this season but just hasn't fired. He is an incredibly versatile player whom Hird is looking to groom as a potential full foward. He seemed to be at his best as a back up ruckman to Hille and a roaming centre half forward but has probably lost his way with the emergence of Bellchambers. I think Ryder is better suited as a running defender/winger.

David Hille
Hille was a pretty strong presence in a hollow team last season but hasn't been able to capture the same awe. With Bellchambers dominating the ruck duties, he should have slotted in nicely as a big forward but just hasn't found consistency. The Bombers need need his presence as the season goes forward.

Leroy Jetta
Jetta looked to eliminate the cuteness out of his game last season and become more consistent and workman-like under Hird but the cuteness of his game seems to be creeping back in. He is highly skilled and would benefit from doing the hard things more often in order to develop as a midfielder.

Nathan Lovett-Murray
He has been seen ambling around the ground too often this season. He was once very versatile and rarely turned it over. Essendon's young list need his experience and poise to progress but he is looking tired. May need a spell.

Mark McVeigh
Much like Lovett-Murray, the Bombers need McVeigh's skill and poise. When McVeigh had the ball in his hands on back half, you knew it was going to hit a teammate on the chest. If he wasn't in the back half, he was streaming forward kicking goals. He has been well down this year and needs to get his skills back on track.