Finals football ahead for the Dons?

Not as unrealistic as it might seem, especially coming off the victory against North Melbourne this afternoon. Essendon bear a lot of resemblance to Collingwood actually. No big names in the midfield, just hard-workers that get the job done (Stanton, Watson, Mcveigh/Johnson, Lockeyer, O'Bree), a strong forward line and an able defence. Last year the difference between the two was forward line versatility, which Collingwood had and Essendon didn't, greater skill and better coaching. Today Essendon showed that they are a team of immense belief in themselves. Despite being more than 4 goals down early they responded in resounding fashion. It was a hard-earned victory, featuring exquisite and aesthetic football.

The loss of Scott Lucas will be massive though. The team now becomes far too dependent on Matthew Lloyd. If Lloyd doesn't kick 5 the chances of Essendon winning are slim. Nathan Lovett-Murray won't kick a bag every week - or any other week for that matter. If the Bombers can get themselves to the break at something like 6-6 Lucas' return could push them into the finals.

Now you might think all this finals talk is a little presumptive after just one round, but hear me out. Geelong, St. Kilda and Hawthorn are virtual locks for September. West Coast will play finals again, and you'd be a hard man to not include Port in your top eight. That's 5 teams, who else is their? I'd be willing to put strong money on my beloved Pies being there for the third consecutive year. That leaves another two teams. Carlton, Richmond and Melbourne won't be anywhere close. Sydney and Adelaide are running on empty. This leaves us with the Kangaroos, Fremantle, the Bulldogs, Brisbane and Essendon. The Bulldogs don't have the game to adapt and beat the better sides in the comp, Fremantle will struggle dearly on the road, and the Kangaroos showed today that they still aren't contenders. For me this leaves the final two spots in the eight to Brisbane and Essendon, with the strong possibility of Freo winning enough games at home to qualify for the eight.

Essendon aren't going to win the flag, and they'll probably get demolished by Geelong next week, but never write off a team that believes in itself. And belief is a quality Essendon today showed they possess.