Essendon's defensive issues continue to hinder team performance

Essendon Football Club is facing ongoing challenges with its defense. After a close match against Hawthorn, their weaknesses were once again highlighted. Although they showed strength in midfield and had a strong number of clearances, their defensive issues were costly. Last Friday, the Bombers took on Hawthorn, managing to dominate clearances but failing to defend effectively. They ended with more inside-50 entries but struggled with scoring, achieving just 5 goals and 10 behinds. This poor conversion continued a trend, with Essendon last year ranking low for points allowed per inside-50. Midfielder Jye Caldwell stood out in the game with a game-high of 36 disposals, but the team still surrendered 31 points from Hawthorn's defensive moves. Essendon has not improved defensively since reaching the finals in 2021 and continues to struggle with turnovers and defending against scoring opportunities. Coach Brad Scott acknowledged the team's effort but admitted their inability to defend against a more skilled opponent was troubling. The team faces additional challenges with injuries, including key players expected to be sidelined in the coming weeks, which could further complicate their scoring issues. As they prepare for future matches, Scott emphasized the need for improvement in both defense and scoring efficiency. The Bombers must adapt to these challenges to turn their season around.