Essendon’s ‘Win Now’ Gamble

There is a feeling that Essendon have done exceedingly well during this trade/free agnecy period.

But we’ve been there and heard that all before, haven’t we?

The acquisitions of Ben McKay, Todd Goldstein, Jade Gresham, and Xavier Duursma have added to a mix at Essendon that looks wonderful on paper. They lost Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, and Massimo D’Ambrosio, but you’d look at the ins and outs and consider this a significant net gain for the club once again.

Sadly, the club still lacks legitimate midfield grunt as we exit the annual meat market.

The Bombers’ midfield consists of a plethora of players that are simply better on the outside (Merrett), are perennially unfit (Stringer, when he waddles himself in there), or are too young to be able to exert considerable influence on the contest (Hobbs… but he will be excellent). Whilst the club could well be satisfied with their trade haul – and I understand why – the lack of a big-bodied midfielder leaves the Bombers at a disadvantage in the engine room.

The additions mentioned above are not to be glossed over, – they can all be quality players however, they each come with their own questions.

 

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