ANALYSIS: They're good on paper, but the Bombers are missing the mark
If football is a stylistic endeavour, then Essendon have some of its finest exponents.
Despite their reputation, the Bombers' defence has been only middling in recent years — not top tier. This year the balance has fallen the wrong way, with Essendon regularly beaten in both contested and uncontested situations inside 50.While many teams routinely throw an extra number behind the ball, Essendon likes to run an extra at stoppages.
The Bombers have been one of the most handball-heavy sides in the competition, aiming to use hand and foot speed to break down opponents. On the defensive side, they have allowed teams to be able to use the ball by foot.Some good teams prefer a kick-mark possession-type game, others drill movement using waves of runners and forward pressure.
As already mentioned, McDonald-Tipungwuti is an awe-inspiring player, who opens up so much of the game. Over the past few years the Bombers have used Walla practically everywhere around the ground as a small utility type.Moving into the future, Essendon may wish to use him in a more limited goal-square/centre-square role, maximising his opportunities to beat opponents one on one.
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