Nathan Buckley is a huge fan of how Essendon are going about things in 2023.
While they entered the year with low expectations under new coach Brad Scott, the Bombers find themselves fifth with a 9-7 record following their 115-97 win over fellow finals contender Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Given the Bombers controlled much of that game, with the Crows only making the margin more respectable late in the piece, Buckley credited the Dons for their pressure and competitiveness as the side continues to build.
“I loved the Essendon versus Adelaide game yesterday, and one of the reasons is because I really rate Adelaide,” Buckley told SEN Breakfast.
“They (the Crows) have had their struggles away from home, but I think their best football is pretty good, but Essendon taught them a lesson in that first half in particular.
“After (Luke) Pedlar kicked Adelaide's seventh goal, I reckon it was around the nine-minute mark of the second quarter, Essendon dominated the next 20 minutes unlike anything that you see.
“Their pressure was high, they controlled the ball, and the coach was wrapped with what they put out yesterday, but even more about what they are potentially going to see in the future.
“They're competitive against everyone. They go and play Geelong down at GMHBA this weekend. I'm fascinated to see how they perform because even when they get done, they're in the contest and it's been done a different way.”
Even though Essendon have been the easiest team to move the ball against, Buckley believes Scott is happy allowing the opposition to free-wheel as they attack with their transition game better than anyone else in the AFL.
“They play a high transition game up and down the field,” Buckley said.
“They're the number one at moving the ball from their back half to their front half.
“They've been the easiest team to move the other way, but then that's a game style, they impose that game style on the opposition.
“Sides that don't like high transition, even though they might move the ball, they actually eventually blow up.”
One player that’s been emblematic of Essendon’s improvement is skipper Zach Merrett, and Buckley singled out the 27-year-old for his monstrous 39-disposal, one-goal performance against the Crows.
“I want to single out Zach Merrett,” Buckley said.
“He's had 39 touches or more six times in his career, and Essendon have been 3-3 in those games.
“It's not all on him, but there's been times when he's had lots of touches and it hasn't had maximum effect, but his 39 yesterday was as impactful as you'd expect.
“I went back and had a look … let's praise him for his tackles and his pressure and his clearances and his contested ball.
“His numbers are no different, but his impact is profound, and that is because he's doing it at key moments and he's doing it with less ego, less concern about himself and a greater team focus than ever before.
“All credit to him.”
The Dons will hope to further entrench themselves in the eight when they face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.