Round 7 Recap: Eagles Unsurprisingly Lose, Surprisingly Big

A predictable loss, yes. But the manner of the loss was unacceptable. It's one thing to be beaten on the night by a team with a nigh full squad and in decent form. But to be beaten by 61 points, including a goal-less 3rd quarter, is something that can't happen when you want to win a premiership.

We were too slow. We lacked energy. We lacked poise. We were embarrassed by a bunch of stripey strumpets. (they're not really strumpets, I just enjoy alliteration in bad times). It's all well and good to point to the injuries as the major source of the performance. However, the effort just didn't seem good enough. Our midfield was destroyed. Essendon had 63 inside 50s to our 41. They have always been a quick team (and we have always been not fast) but they tore us apart with ease.

Our replacements didn't perform well. Neates had a negligible impact. The Good Sheppard and The Big Lychee showed little to justify my honouring of them with clever nicknames. Our backline was undermanned. I think our last 2 weeks, but especially this game, showed just how underrated guys like Ash Smith and Will Schofield really are. In terms of our depleted forward line, it is was ineffectual.

On a positive note, Cox held down the fort like the champion that he is. However, we miss Naitanui. He allows Cox to free-roam around the ground. The Big Lychee isn't really a viable option as a second ruckman. We also missed Naitanui's energy and explosiveness in clearance situations. The man can tear a game apart. He's dynamic. We looked decidedly one paced.

I want to make it clear. We may have lost the game because of injuries. It was fairly foreseeable as we were missing 6 or 7 bona-fide starters. 3 of these are in our top 5 players. Yet, the performance and the margin seemed more a product of a sluggish, lethargic effort.

Still, credit where credit is due. Essendon played well. I mean we all know they still wouldn't have beaten us at Subi, or if we had a full team, but here's to you Bombers! I look forward to playing you in the finals (if you make it).

We need players back. Naitanui, Selwood and Smith could return. Schofield's suspension ends. Hopefully Priddis will be okay. But we also need a better effort a.s.a.p. Play like we did against the Dons and we will lose to the Saints next week, something which can't happen.