Worsfold takes substance over style

IT might have been scrappy, but a win’s a win and in a compressed season like this one, Essendon coach John Worsfold won’t hide from just how crucial Sunday’s three-point win over Adelaide was to his side’s overall season.

The Bombers now sit inside the eight with a game in hand.

Essendon was 19 points up during the third term, but Adelaide fought back to have a kick at goal to win the game in the dying seconds of the match, but missed.

“In this environment, on the road, we come down and we just want to perform as well as we can, and win, and now we get home and prepare for our next game,” Worsfold said.

“We didn’t feel we had the game in control, but we dominated ball position in that first half … they evened that part of the game up and kept the game really tight all the way through.”

Worsfold was pleased with the depth of his team that has been able to cope with an injury list that runs 10-deep, but is looking forward to getting Dylan Shiel back from suspension for Friday night’s clash with Brisbane.

He said the likes of James Stewart, Tom Cutler and Sam Draper were also pushing for selection.

“I’ve been really pleased with having players be able to come in and help us win,” Worsfold said.

“That’s a credit to the group. “We’ll slowly get some players back over the next three of four weeks, which will strengthen our overall position, but we’re confident in the guys that are out there for us.”

He said his relatively young side would grow in confidence and decision-making skills on the back of the win over the Crows.