When the Court of Arbitration for Sport handed down its ruling in January, not many would have predicted Essendon to perform as well as it has across the opening two months of the season.

Without 12 of its senior players, including some of their very best, the Bombers have beaten the much improved Melbourne as well as pushing Geelong and then North Melbourne all the way after half-time last Saturday at Etihad Stadium.

In a game of two vastly different halves, the Bombers scored only four behinds in the first two quarters to head into half-time in a fragile position against the ladder leaders. In a remarkable turnaround, Essendon kicked 8.8 to 2.8 in the second half to narrowly lose by two goals, prompting a standing ovation at the final siren.

Through the use of senior players, top-up recruits, mature-age picks from last year’s draft, traded in players from last year’s exchange period and top-end talent, John Worsfold has done a mighty job blending together a diverse mix of footballers. And in a short space of time.

Under the guidance of the West Coast legend, Essendon has continued to be a high possession team, acquiring plenty of uncontested ball to help stem the flow at times before coming at teams at different stages of games.

The Bombers are ranked No. 2 for total disposals (400.0 per game) and handballs (191.9), No. 1 for marks and No. 4 for uncontested possession differential (+21.0) and kicks (208.9).  

Whilst Essendon has been able to its hands on plenty of the football in the opening eight rounds of the season, they haven’t been able to impact the scoreboard. The Bombers are ranked 18th for points for (59.6), struggling to convert when they have the opportunity inside 50 – scoring from only 18 per cent of entries (ranked 18th). Joe Daniher has kicked only nine goals this season, whilst Mitch Brown has seven to his name as Essendon has battled to kick winning scores.

In a week where wide sections of the media have questioned the effort produced by teams in south-east Queensland, Essendon is demonstrating how far effort can take you in this game.

Not many players at the True Value Solar Centre epitomise effort more than Zach Merrett who has taken his game to a whole new level this season. The midfielder is enjoying a breakout season at the Bombers, averaging 28.1 possessions, 6.4 tackles, 4.1 inside 50s and 368.8 metres of gained territory per game. Many would have this young gun at the top of Essendon’s best and fairest after eight rounds.

Of the top up recruits, triple premiership Geelong star James Kelly has flourished across half back, overcoming a non-existent pre-season to continue to demonstrate his class. The 2011 All Australian has played every game so far, averaging 26.0 possessions at an elite efficiency rate of 81.7 per cent. Delisted Tiger Matt Dea has also played all eight games and become an important part of the Bombers defence.

Essendon VFL recruit Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has rapidly acquired a cult following since debuting in Round 1. The polished ball user attracts a hive of energy in the crowd whenever he touches the ball and his elite kicking skills have made him a potent outlet options for the Bombers on transition.

Star:

In the absence of suspended stars, midfielder David Zaharakis has elevated his game across the opening two months of the season to be arguably Essendon’s best player thus far in 2016. The former best and fairest winner is averaging 27.6 disposals (2nd at Essendon), 4.8 clearances (1st), 4.6 tackles (3rd), 3.9 inside 50s (2nd) and 439.7 metres gained (1st). After a down 2015, Zaharakis has thrived on increased time in the centre square improving the inside part of his game to help the Bombers at the coal face, as well as on the outside.

Fresh face:

In a side full of fresh faces, the Bombers first pick in last year’s National Draft Darcy Parish has been a standout performer in the early stages of his career. Without a seasoned group of midfielders around him, the pick No. 3 has been one of the best young players in the competition this season, averaging 20.9 disposals, 3.7 tackles and 3.6 clearances. Along with Sydney’s Callum Mills, Melbourne’s Christian Petracca and Carlton’s Jacob Weitering, Parish is one of the favourites for this year’s Rising Star prize.