Back to the drawing board for Bombers, Hird

After just four rounds Essendon was touted as a top four team and genuine premiership contender. Revitalized under James Hird, the Bombers were playing terrific, tough football. It seemed Hird had instilled the bravery and toughness he was known for into his players. The Bombers attack on the football was ferocious, their defensive pressure when they did not have it, superb. Captain Jobe Watson had taken his game to another level and the ruck combination of David Hille and Paddy Ryder was causing headaches for opposition coaches. Many were quick to jump on the Bombers bandwagon and labelled them top four material. How quickly the tide can turn.

That was then, this is now. Barely two months later and the Bombers are hanging onto eighth spot by a thread. In recent times the Bombers have been dismal. Over the last five weeks Essendon have recorded just one win, an unconvincing performance over the depleted Brisbane Lions. However, the signs that night were ominous, the Bombers were simply running out of juice. Since then the Bombers have lost four straight against Richmond, Melbourne, Fremantle and North Melbourne. All very winnable games against teams ranked lower than them on the ladder. The key statistical indicators tell a tale of a side running out of legs. In the last five weeks the Bombers average six less tackles per game, 27 less disposals per game, four per cent lower disposal efficiency and five more turnovers a game. Essendon’s decrease in disposals combined with declining disposal efficiency is a recipe for disaster.

The most damning statistical deterioration comes in the form of ‘one percenters’. 1%ers are a key indication of how hard the team works for one another. It consists of acts such as spoils, smothers and shepherds. In the last five weeks the Bombers average 93.40 1%ers per game, ranked 14^th in the league. Similarly, over the first seven rounds Essendon were ranked fifth in the league which indicates the Bombers have lost that desire and desperation they had at the start of the season. It is those extra efforts that can be the difference between winning and losing, and bearing in mind the ladder congestion between positions 7-12 it can ultimately be the difference between playing finals or preparing for the following year. Hird needs to replenish that desire and hunger in order for the Bombers to turnaround their form.

Essendon’s ruthless pre-season was well documented in the media. James Hird worked his Bombers overtime and demanded improvement, rightfully so. Perhaps Hirdy overworked his Bombers, because it appears they have run out of steam. From here they will struggle to make the eight. Poor form accompanied by a brutal fixture suggests Essendon face an uphill challenge if they want to make a September appearance. The Bombers face Hawthorn, Geelong and Richmond before travelling to Adelaide to take on the Crows. Waiting for them when they return are the inform Blues and the colossal Collingwood.

In comparison to the Matthew Knights reign just 12 months ago, the James Hird Bombers are only half-a-game superior. It appears Hird’s honeymoon is well and truly over. Not for the first time in his life, he will have to ignite his players and inspire the Bombers.