The Bombers are progressing, but 2024 isn’t their breakout year in the AFL.

Currently third on the ladder post-bye rounds, Brad Scott and Essendon have seen positive strides this season. Earlier discussions about Scott’s “eight-year plan” were misunderstood, yet now it’s evident the club is building for long-term cohesion.

Despite their strong ladder position, the truth remains: Essendon, while competitive this season, isn’t yet poised for a deep finals run. Defensive gaps persist, despite Jordan Ridley’s impactful return from injury stabilizing their backline.

Ridley, crucial as both an intercept player and lockdown defender, shoulders significant defensive responsibilities, highlighting the team’s reliance on his consistent availability.

Issues in defensive matchups persist, with challenges in one-on-one defense and intercepting posing ongoing concerns. The midfield group’s defensive efforts and the emergence of promising talents like Zach Merrett and Sam Durham bolster the team, yet the absence of Darcy Parish is felt more than acknowledged.

Further challenges lie in the ruck department and the need for a dominant key forward presence. Todd Goldstein’s form decline and Sam Draper’s intermittent fitness underscore these challenges, while Nick Bryan faces scrutiny despite flashes of potential.

Peter Wright shows promise in the ruck, but consistency remains an issue. Harrison Jones and Wright initially led as tall options, with Jones now adapting to a high half-forward role.

Essendon’s trajectory is positive, but they face crucial development areas before becoming genuine contenders in the AFL.

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