Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy says there’s no reason why Essendon can’t challenge for a finals spot in 2020.
Healy took plenty of positives from the Bombers’ Marsh Series win over premiership fancies West Coast last Thursday, with former No.1 pick Andrew McGrath the standout in a new midfield role.
“A lot of people are writing them (Essendon) off. I thought they had a really impressive showing against the Eagles,” the Sydney champion said on Sportsday.
“Their midfield looked energetic, it looked a little bit deeper and I know it’s only March, but they showed enough to me to say they are going to be in the mix (for the finals).
“They won’t win the flag, but I can’t see any reason why Essendon aren’t in the fight for the finals. A lot of people are saying they are the big fallers.
“Don’t discount them for a finals spot.”
It’s the dawn of a new era at Essendon with assistant Ben Rutten to seize more control from incumbent senior coach John Worsfold before succeeding him in 2021.
The Bombers round out their Marsh Series campaign against Geelong in Colac on Sunday before turning their attention to their Round 1 meeting with Fremantle.
Listen to Wednesday night’s edition of Sportsday in the player below
