David King was encouraged by Essendon’s Jordan Ridley’s performance over the weekend. After being sidelined for the first 10 games of the 2024 season due to a quad injury and its aggravation, Ridley made a remarkable return during Saturday night’s Dreamtime clash against Richmond.
The 25-year-old Ridley was awarded the Yiooken Award for best on ground in the Bombers’ 12-point victory. He achieved an impressive 31 disposals, 12 marks, 14 intercepts, and covered a massive 759 meters.
Ridley’s presence also allowed Essendon to reduce their reliance on Ben McKay for intercept plays. This strategic adjustment worked excellently as the team recorded 22 intercept marks, matching their best result of the year.
King praised Ridley’s impactful return, highlighting its significance for a team already ranked second on the ladder.
“I want to talk about the ‘And One Effect’,” King said on SEN Breakfast. “Just adding one player of significance. Not just role players or young players, but someone like Jordan Ridley coming back. Essendon fans know his potential and the levels he has reached in the past few years. He’s been hampered by injuries over the last 12 months, but he’s the one they’ve been waiting for.
“Everyone at Essendon remembers his influence in the 2020 season, where he was best and fairest, and his performance in 2022. He was a dominant force, often playing against larger opponents and still excelling.
“Now he’s back in his natural position. The ‘And One Effect’ is substantial. They had their best intercept game in a long time, not relying solely on Ben McKay.
“This is excellent. Your primary defender can focus on defending. If he needs to win the ball back, he can do it. The intercept game now involves Jayden Laverde and Ridley. That’s how it should be.
“They’re winning the ball at half-back rather than full-back. It changes the game dynamic, almost putting them on the attack immediately. The intercept becomes an offensive move, not just a defensive save.”
Ridley’s performance, including eight intercept marks, allowed Mason Redman (24 disposals, six intercept marks) and Jayden Laverde (season-highs with 21 disposals and seven rebound 50s) to also significantly contribute to the defense.
With Ridley back, the Bombers, boasting an 8-1-2 record, will head to Gold Coast to face the Suns on Sunday in Round 12.
