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Sport Nation
Find your Sport Nation frequencyReal or fake? Why King isn't sold on Essendon's defensive turnaround
Luke Mathews • May 17th, 2025 11:16 am
David King has put Essendon’s backline in the gun this week, saying he isn’t convinced by their improved defensive performance across the last six weeks.
Since being thumped by Adelaide in Round 2 after giving up 161 points, the Bombers have conceded an average of just 70 points against per game.
While many are certain that Essendon have finally turned a corner under Brad Scott, King believes they still haven’t faced a proper test yet.
“I’m not sold on Essendon’s defensive locks and stocks just yet,” King said on SEN's Fireball.
“I know the last six weeks they’ve been pretty good with their points against, but 75 points or less against Port Adelaide, Melbourne, West Coast, North Melbourne, and Sydney (isn't that impressive).
“The biggest challenge they come up against is the Western Bulldogs (this Saturday), who just make you pay. Do not have a bad day against the Dogs.
“Is it real or is it fake footy? They mark the ball, they take their time in making decisions, they take the third most marks in the competition.
“I just want to see if this is what they are, and does it stack up against the best sides?
“In the front of my mind is Richmond of 2016 all those years ago when Dimma (Damien Hardwick), said, 'This doesn’t win big games of footy this style', and this is exactly what we’re seeing with Essendon.
“Yes, it looks good on paper with the points against, but is it a real brand against the very best teams? I’m not sold until we see it on the weekend.
“If they cough up 110, we’re back to square one.”
The Bombers' defensive unit will be put to the test on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium when they take on the Western Bulldogs.
