Acting Bombers captain Andrew McGrath says he’s thrilled by how Essendon’s two ruckmen have saved the Bombers’ assault buzzing with out spearhead Peter Wright.
Essendon’s daring name to play two ruckmen towards Melbourne within the moist paid off in spades, with Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips booting 5 objectives between them and getting the higher of Demons opponent Brodie Grundy at stoppages within the Bombers’ stirring 27-point win in Adelaide.
It was probably the most effective recreation of the 31-year-old Phillips’ distinctive AFL profession, which has spanned three golf equipment and 66 video games over greater than a decade within the competitors.
McGrath stated the Bombers had been close to sure to stay with the pair to attempt to “target” Collingwood’s lack of a recognised ruckman on Anzac Day, with a mixture of Nathan Kreuger, Billy Frampton and Ash Johnson more likely to vie towards the Essendon duo on the MCG.
“I’m sure it’ll be talked about, and I’m sure they will be planning for it as well, but I can’t see the two-ruck situation changing from now until Tuesday, especially considering how well they both played,” McGrath stated.
“Sam and Andrew had a great game on the weekend … they had a real challenge going up against a quality ruckman in Brodie Grundy and (coach Brad Scott) sort of put it to them a little bit about the opportunity.
“They had to work him over with two against one and just the way they’ve worked in synergy, and for each other to go forward in particular and get on the scoreboard has been massive for us.”
With Peter Wright nonetheless three months away after a shoulder reconstruction, McGrath stated the ruck pair had helped the Bombers’ forwards keep a useful system that was key to their 4-1 begin to the season.
“They’ve given us another option up for up forward and have really helped with our small forwards bringing the ball to ground,” he stated.
“They rarely get outmarked, but just their competitiveness and their willingness to do anything for the team has been a standout and they were two of our best on the weekend.”
Key ahead Sam Weideman might return to the Bombers’ ahead line on Anzac Day after being cleared of concussion signs, with efficiency boss Daniel McPherson saying the previous Demon would prepare absolutely this week.
Weideman’s return might come on the expense of Harry Jones, who’s on a modified coaching program together with key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher after the pair suffered ankle accidents towards the Demons.
McPherson confirmed younger defender Zach Reid would return by means of the VFL this weekend after overcoming a again damage, with Kaine Baldwin to hitch him within the reserves after exiting the concussion protocols.
“Zach will be available for selection this week,” McPherson stated.
“He’s ticked off all the relevant markers we needed from him and we can’t wait to see him out there.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
