St Kilda legend Leigh Montagna is concerned about Essendon’s midfield lineup as they face a challenging match against the high-flying Sydney Swans this Saturday night.
Despite missing key players like Callum Mills, Luke Parker, and Taylor Adams due to injury, the Swans have convincingly defeated Melbourne and Collingwood in their first two games of the 2024 season.
Just two weeks into the new season, the Swans, who were runners-up in 2022, seem to have reaffirmed their status as a top contender for the flag.
Despite Sydney’s midfield being short-handed, they have received significant contributions from veteran forward Isaac Heeney, as well as established players Chad Warner and Errol Gulden.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s Give Me Something, Montagna expressed his belief that Essendon’s midfield will face a reality check against Sydney this Saturday night.
After defeating the Hawks in their season opener last Saturday, there is a sense of optimism at Essendon to kick off the campaign.
While acknowledging the positive start by the 1-0 Bombers and their standout players, Montagna emphasized the challenge posed by Sydney’s midfield.
“They received a lot of praise this week, and rightfully so, for their performance against Hawthorn’s midfield,” Montagna said, referring to players like Archie Perkins, Sam Durham, Zach Merrett, Todd Goldstein, and others. “But they are facing a Sydney Swans midfield that is in great form.”
Montagna highlighted the talents of Sydney’s midfielders, including Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Errol Gulden, James Rowbottom, and Brodie Grundy, describing them as a formidable challenge for Essendon’s midfield.
Montagna warned that Brad Scott’s team would suffer the same fate as Melbourne and Collingwood if they didn’t elevate their performance against the top-ranked Swans.
“They need to raise their game,” Montagna emphasized. “As impressive as they were last week against the Hawks, they need to take it up another notch. Otherwise, they could face a similar outcome to Melbourne and Collingwood against Sydney.”
“The Swans are in exceptional form. This match might just bring Essendon back down to earth a bit.”
“They’ve historically performed quite well there,” responded North Melbourne great David King.
Despite a significant defeat in their last visit to the SCG in 2022, four of Essendon’s last six matches against Sydney at the venue have been decided by a goal or less.
“They’ve had some tight matches with the Swans, and strange things can happen,” King added. “There’s always a bit of unpredictability when these two teams meet.”
The Swans will face the Bombers at 7:30 pm (AEDT) this Saturday.
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