Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd is proud of the Bombers following their upset 104-77 win over Melbourne at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Having won three of their first four games, the Bombers entered the clash with some form behind them but were set to be truly tested against one of the competition’s elite sides.
After proving they had what it takes to mix it with the best as they controlled the Demons across four quarters, Lloyd is proud of how the club has responded to some big on and off-field changes since the end of last season.
“I was pleased (with the win),” Lloyd told Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“I’ve been as disappointed as anyone with Essendon’s performances over so long.
“It’s just been mediocrity, I’ve used that word so often for the Bombers.
“To be 4-1, they moved on their President, CEO, coach and captain – they made so many decisions – I know it’s only early, but suddenly, you’re proud.
“That win last night (was impressive)
“The first three have been okay against Hawthorn, the Giants and the Suns, but this is a different win.
“This was against a strong, powerful side and they just destroyed them.”
Lloyd’s co-host Nathan Brown was equally as impressed with Essendon’s performance and he believes Brad Scott got the best out of his side by nailing several matchups, particularly on-ball.
“They got their matchups right,” Brown said.
“He (Sam Draper) was brilliant in the first quarter, he and (Andrew) Phillips against (Brodie) Grundy had a clear plan – they tried to push forward to influence the scoreboard and they kicked five goals between them.
“Then Brodie Grundy thought he needed to get one back and he almost played outside of the team rules trying to get himself a goal.
“Dylan Shiel … he stood up and in the first quarter (Zach) Merrett and (Darcy) Parish had 24 disposals between them.
“Everything worked and that’s the hardest I’ve seen the Bombers around the stoppage.”
One of the big changes Essendon made was appointing Merrett as captain with Dyson Heppell stepping down after six seasons in the job.
After collecting 35 disposals, seven tackles and nine inside 50s in the win, Lloyd was impressed with how the midfielder is leading just five games into his captaincy tenure.
“Merrett is leading really well,” Lloyd said.
“Seven tackles to go with his disposals.
“Their class as a small midfield, they stood up big time last night.”
Essendon next gear up for a huge Anzac Day clash against Collingwood at the MCG next Tuesday.
"Suddenly, you're proud."
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 16, 2023
Matthew Lloyd on Essendon, as the panel reacts to the Bombers' big upset win over the Demons. #9AFLSFS | @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/WPb3uWmEjn