Former Saints and Kangaroos midfielder Nick Dal Santo, has already stated how good Essendon's attack is, saying it's better than the front six of the reigning premiers, Richmond.
Jack Riewoldt and his 'mosquito fleet' of small forwards was enough to lead Richmond to the flag last season, but Dal Santo would prefer Essendon's multi-dimensional forward line compared to their Tiger counterparts.
“I would take Essendon (ahead of Richmond),” he said on SEN.
“I look at their forward line (Joe) Daniher, (Cale) Hooker, (James) Stewart, (Anthony) McDonald-Tipungwuti, (Devon) Smith and I like (Josh) Begley, and that doesn’t mention (Jake) Stringer, (David) Zaharakis who I think can go forward, (Josh) Green and (Orazio) Fantasia.
The contested marking of both Hooker and Stewart complements the raw talent of their star forward, Joe Daniher. With the ability to all play up the ground also, it gives them the edge of locking it in their forward line, and being able to apply scoreboard pressure.
“Up and going, and when it’s played on their terms…when the game is run and gun, the shackles are off, almost a no lose consequence sort of attitude – they’re dangerous," Dal Santo said.
“You get nervous playing on that sort of team.”
They provide match-up nightmares for the opposition, with the speed and athleticism being too much for the tall defenders, and being too tall for the small defenders.
The Bombers were too strong for the Crows' defence, and will look to continue that form against the Dockers this week at Optus Stadium.