Essendon's thrilling win over Sydney on Saturday afternoon at the MCG may have seen the Bombers uncover some much-needed defensive help.
With the Bombers' backline being under almost constant pressure throughout the year, the possible emergence of Brandon Zerk-Thatcher may be the most exciting takeaway for Essendon fans.
The previously maligned 23-year-old put in a career-best display as the Bombers secured their fourth win of the season.
18 disposals and nine marks for the defender reads well, but it was his ability to stay calm under pressure and scrap when needed which helped keep the Bombers in touching distance as Sydney pressed hard in the third quarter.
Speaking post-game, fellow defender Jayden Laverde said he was proud of his defensive partner who had been forced to work hard for the opportunity.
"He was super today," Laverde toldย Zero Hanger.
"He's just been building his form in the twos every week and has been developing really well and credit to him, he's brought that form straight into the game and it showed today.
"He was super, won his one-on-ones and was really reliable."
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Coach Ben Rutten spoke glowingly about Zerk-Thatcher's performance. He highlighted the long-sleeved youngster's ability to work on his craft and implement that on gameday.
"He's been playing some really strong footy at VFL level," Rutten said in his post-game press conference.
"The last couple of weeks we've made decisions to go a fraction smaller, a little bit due to the opposition. "Thatch" has been ready to play for a while and i was just pleased that today he got an opportunity and he played really well.
"He's matured a lot as a player as well."
The Bombers have now won two out of their last three, with a loss to the Eagles sandwiched between wins over St Kilda and the Swans.
After all of Eseendon's previous three wins they have failed to back up the victory with a similar performance the next week. Rutten says trying to find that consistency will be a focus this week but doesn't think much will need to be changed to achieve it.
"Probably not anything different," Rutten replied when asked if they will look to vary their preparation.
"I think the guys are getting a greater understanding of what's required and belief in what they're doing and belief in each other.
"We have to reset. Go back and look at what we did well this week and certainly look at things we could have done better."
The Dons will earn their latest chance to continue shaping the eight when they face Brisbane at the Gabba next Sunday afternoon.
