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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMPositive signs: What Watson loved about Dons’ Gather Round win
SEN • April 14th, 2026 10:55 am
Essendon great Tim Watson was really pleased with the Bombers’ performance in their 113-68 win over Melbourne during Gather Round.
While the Dons hadn’t won in 17 attempts leading up to the clash, Watson admits he did have a level of confidence going into the game as the club’s performances in recent weeks were on the improve.
With the likes of Jordan Ridley, Nate Caddy, Elijah Tsatas and Sullivan Robey (debut) joining the side as well, Watson was keen to see what a fitter Bombers side could offer as a stronger overall line-up.
Having a stronger side at his disposal, Watson was also pleased to see some coaching moves from Brad Scott, who was able to pull some position-switch levers.
“I don't want to be clever after the event, but I did tell you in the lead-up to this game that I was confident because of a couple of things,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
“That was their performances over the last couple of weeks, Essendon had been on the improve… they were very good, except for about 20 minutes, in that game against the Bulldogs the week before.
“(Jordan) Ridley came back, and there were some really good coaching moves. (Kyle) Langford went behind the ball, (Peter) Wright went into the ruck and went head-to-head with (Max) Gawn, Sam Durham, who has been average this season, looked like the free Sam Durham we’ve seen the last couple of years.
“I don't think (Andrew) McGrath should be played in the back six. I think McGrath should get an assignment in the midfield forever, which enables Essendon to play a different style of defender back there as well.
“Sullivan Robey, that was his first game, but he's made of the right stuff, this kid. I'm not saying that he's going to be a superstar of the game, but he's going to be a very, very good 200-game player for Essendon.”
The other thing that Watson liked was the game style implemented by Scott, which was to control the ball with uncontested marks. That slow play allowed the Dons to set up behind the ball, while also taking away the speed the Dees have played with to start 2026.
“The other thing was that game really suited Essendon,” Watson said.
“One of the things that they haven't been great at is defending. So, they had slow, slow ball movement. They had a lot of uncontested marks.
“The pressure didn't get on them the way that it could have or should have from Melbourne. They didn't push up and make it really difficult for Essendon.
“Therefore, the defenders of Essendon had plenty of time and the luxury of not being bombarded by quick ball movement from Melbourne, so that really played into their hands again. The coach did a great job.
“There are some really good signs. I'm not prepared to say that Essendon are back and all of a sudden, they're going to get on a roll. But as an Essendon supporter, what you've wanted to see is just a more competitive effort.
“It's a great tonic for a team that hasn't won for a long time to experience the four points again, and that breeds confidence in itself.”
The Dons will hope to keep up their strong form against the Suns on the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.
