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“A cut above”: Kako performance leads Watson’s Essendon practice match observations
Andrew Slevison • February 26th, 2025 10:51 am
Essendon great Tim Watson was taken by what he saw from Isaac Kako in Tuesday night’s AAMI Community Series clash with Geelong.
Kako, who was taken with Pick 13 in last year’s draft, kicked four goals from 14 disposals as the Bombers beat the Cats by 21 points at GMHBA Stadium.
The 18-year-old forward looked comfortable at the level and provided plenty of excitement for Dons fans, including Watson who believes he is the exact player the club needs right now.
“He is exactly what Essendon have been missing,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
“They took him as a highly credentialed youngster and they believed he was going to be a ‘straight away’ type player.
“They would have been desperate to be able to play him last night. They will want to keep playing him because right now he looks like a cut above any other small forward that we’ve had over the last five years.
“I’m saying the best small forward Essendon has had. I’m not saying he’s Cyril Rioli.
“He’ll have some highs and lows in his first year because he’ll get tired at some stage, but he’s got some real ability.”
Former Dons captain Watson was also impressed by Kako’s fellow first-round selection Elijah Tsatas who picked up 31 disposals which included 15 contested possessions and 10 clearances.
Tsatas is entering his third season at AFL level and now looks ready to force his way into Brad Scott’s midfield setup in 2025.
“Tsatas has been around for two years, this is his third year, and that was the first time we’ve really seen him in the midfield,” Watson added.
“He was really good in a front-line midfield position, quick with his hands. That’s what they drafted him to do and be.
“It’s horses for courses. Kako just got there, the other kid (Tsatas) has been there for a few years and some kids take a bit longer. Particularly if you’re going to be pushing into the midfield, to get your body right, to be able to run the way you need to in modern football.”
Watson mused on various other points he observed from the Bombers during the game which included a 26-disposal showing from Dylan Shiel off half-back, a more mobile forward line, Nate Caddy’s three goals, and 22 touches and two goals from Nic Martin.
“Shiel played off a half-back flank. He gives a lot of run and drive. He still needs to use the ball better,” Watson said further.
“The forward line looked more mobile than what it had been. They had more movement down there.
“Peter Wright had played the earlier game then played the first part of the first quarter. I think he’s going to be one of the more fascinating watches for Essendon. I don’t know if he’s currently in the best team.
“Caddy and (Kyle) Langford were down there. Nic Martin was the other guy they want to push (forward). He just finds the ball, Nic Martin. He’s a very smart player.
“(Mason) Redman was probably the only player that might be able to push his way into the side that didn’t play. They were almost at full strength.”
The Dons will take their winning momentum to the Gold Coast for their Opening Round clash with the Suns at People First Stadium on March 8.
