Essendon must employ a defensive mindset if they have a chance at winning their match up against Hawthorn in Round 7, according to Hawthorn premiership player Campbell Brown.
The Bombers have looked lost this past month, dropping four of their last five games and are searching for answers, but a defensive agenda could be the solution.
Brown explained that a winning performance for Essendon will come down to lifting the on-field energy of their team and a tough defensive showing could be the catalyst.
“This is a really important game for Essendon, it’s almost like their season is on the line,” Brown told SEN Mornings.
“They can’t afford to drop another game. It will be a great opportunity for the Essendon footy club to draw their own line in the sand. It’s a massive game for them."
Brown says that Essendon like to play "very gentle and pretty football" which hasn't translated into wins for them and a structural change could increase their odds this weekend.
“They like the quick ball movement and kicking plenty of goals, but if I was John Worsfold, I would be getting them ready for a bit of trench warfare this week and get them to win some contested footy ... Defence is the area of the game they need to improve," Brown explained.
Essendon will be hoping to get their season back on track when they face-off against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.
