Pressure paying off at last for Bombers

ESSENDON captain Dyson Heppell believes Thursday night’s stunning upset victory over flag contender West Coast is another indication that the Bombers have found their true identity.

The Bombers set up their impressive 28-point win at Perth Stadium with a hardrunning, six-goal first quarter.

The win came at a minor cost for Bombers ruckman Tom Bellchambers, who was last night charged with striking Eagle Nic Naitanui by the league’s match review officer. Bellchambers can accept a $2000 fine with an early guilty plea.

Having slumped to 15th after losing to Carlton in Round 8, Essendon has won four of its past five games and is only one win behind eighthplaced North Melbourne.

“We have found ourselves a bit of an identity with our heat and pressure around the footy. That held us in really good stead,” Heppell said.

“We’ve been building over the last couple of months. It’s really starting to pay off with that heat and intensity around the footy. Every team strives for it and everyone really believes and values it.

“These games do galvanise you as a group. We learnt a hell of a lot through that period earlier in the year. Sometimes you need to go through real pits to learn and then you can bounce back from it.”

Heppell said Adam Saad’s daring play in defence and the team’s quality kicking in the midfield had been other key elements of the victory.

Saad had six running bounces throughout the night, inspiring his teammates to attack.