A win on the board – albeit by the slimmest of margins – made for the ideal start to St Kilda’s 2019 campaign.
Unfortunately for Essendon, the same can’t be said.
A 72-point thumping at the hands of a rampant Greater Western Sydney outfit has seen widespread criticism surrounding the Bombers’ on-field output, with the legitimacy of the club’s finals aspirations already under question after Round 1.
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But Saturday night’s clash at Marvel Stadium serves as the perfect staging ground for John Worsfold’s men to reassert themselves as a genuine threat come September.
The Saints haven’t defeated the Bombers since Round 16 in 2016, yet the two are evenly balanced in terms of victories across their past 10 clashes.
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Essendon’s midfield has been touted as one of the most formidable in the competition on paper, and is undoubtedly one brimming with talent.
Fronted by ever-reliable skipper Dyson Heppell, the Bombers’ engine room has been bolstered by prized recruit Dylan Shiel, whose acquisition was the perfect fit to fill the void left by contested bull Jobe Watson.
Young duo Andrew McGrath and Zach Merrett round out the imposing on-ball brigade alongside newly-anointed leader David Myers and reigning Crichton medallist Devon Smith.
And while the Bombers’ performance against the Giants last week did little to reflect their talent – finishing with 40 less contested possessions (116) than GWS – the Saints would be foolish to underestimate their opposition.
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St Kilda’s own dangerman in Jack Steven will be poised for another influential game following his inspirational return against the Suns.
The four-time Trevor Barker Award-winner finished with a quieter 22 touches in last season’s Round 21 encounter, but notched up two 40+ disposal efforts in his previous three meetings with the Bombers.
Similarly, vice-captain Seb Ross enjoyed a career-best haul last time out against Essendon, with his 43-disposal performance among his best in 2018.
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The Bombers’ run off half-back through Conor McKenna and Adam Saad will be pivotal to inject speed moving forward, with Essendon’s blistering run and ability to slice through the centre a hallmark to its strong finish last year.
While the defensive duo boast some serious wheels, the countering half-back combination of Jimmy Webster and Shane Savage will hope to topple pace with their penetrative, long-range kicking.
But it is the return of veteran Nathan Brown from suspension that will be the Saints’ most vital asset.
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While Josh Battle, Callum Wilkie and Darragh Joyce all impressed in the season-opener, the latter is the unlucky omission in favour of Brown to avoid a top-heavy backline.
The remodelled defence will need to stay on top of their game, as Essendon’s forward line will be out for redempetion after chalking up just the five majors last week.
The absences of Joe Daniher and swingman Cale Hooker have been significant losses for the Bombers’ attack; a fact compounded by Mitch Brown and Shaun McKernan being held goalless against GWS.
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It makes the influence of the dynamic Jake Stringer – should he be fit – and Orazio Fantasia that much more important come Saturday night, whose pressure acts and flair will hope to catch the Saints off-guard.
Essendon has a point to prove. As does St Kilda.
And under the Saturday night lights, there’s no better place to make a statement.
