Richmond assistant coach Ben Rutten provides ‘Roar Vision’ with a snapshot of the main attributes of Essendon’s game ahead of this Saturday night’s blockbuster ‘Dreamtime at the G’ clash.
Key match-up: Riewoldt v Hurley
“He’s (Hurley) defending really well, but he’s also really important for the start of their attack from their backline. So it’s important that we use Jack and get the best result out of him. But it’s also important to stop Hurley (who’s averaging 23 disposals per match this season) at the same time. He’s similar to Alex Rance, and what separates those defenders from the others, is their ability to win the ball, especially back from the opposition, and start the attack. It’s invaluable to mark the ball from the opposition, especially . . .”
Possession-maintaining ability (Essendon ranked No. 2 in the comp. for uncontested marks)
“For us, we obviously want to try and score going forward. But there’ll be times when Essendon are able to win the ball back, and it’s important we don’t let them get those mark chains because otherwise we’re going to be spending a fair bit of time defending. It’s a big one for our ability to pressure the ball, firstly, and then deny the uncontested marks, obviously.”
Red-hot forward line
“They’ve got a really good mix (up forward) . . . They’ve got some important key-position players in Hooker, Daniher and Stewart, especially in the aerial contests. They’re as good as any. And then, if the ball does come to deck, there’s some great ground-level cover with Fantasia, Parish, Tipungwuti and Green. So they’re either really tall and important in the air, or really dangerous and small on the ground . . . Our backs are going to have their work cut out for them.”
Daniher rising
“He’s really dynamic. He’s 200cm tall, but he can come off the wing, and he also plays in the ruck . . . He’s looked better as he’s got a bit of freedom up the ground. So he’s an important player, not only to kick to, but also in being able to link up as they transition the ball. He can kick the goals, but he’s important in setting them up structurally as well. So it’ll be important for us, as a team, to be able to stop him. It’s not going to be an individual role on him . . . it’s going to be how well we defend as a team.”
