Why David King is putting key Essendon target in the gun ahead of West Coast clash

SEN host David King is putting Essendon forward Peter Wright in the gun ahead of Sunday’s clash against West Coast at Marvel Stadium.

Wright has only kicked one goal from his last three games and has been held goalless in three of his last five.

It’s a big dip from the 53 Wright kicked in his last full season in 2022 and King thinks that the big forward is nowhere near his best.

He called on the 27-year-old to recapture that form against the 16th-ranked Eagles.

“I’m putting Peter Wright in the gun for this game,” King said on SEN Breakfast.

“I haven't seen him back to the levels of last year and 2022 or anywhere near that to be fair.

“He's come back from a suspension, but he’s played sort of seven or eight games now.

“He kicked four against the Kangas, but he's kicked one goal in three weeks.

“He's also kicked five goals in six weeks, four of those being against North Melbourne.”

King thinks that Wright is key to Essendon’s forward line which has only kicked 90 once since Round 5.

He thinks that he and Kyle Langford can help the Dons regain their best footy if they fire.

If the duo continues to struggle though, he worries about the prospects of Brad Scott’s side for the second half of the season.

“I just want to see this forward line of the Bombers light up again,” King said.

“Langford's come off a little bit. Peter Wright’s come right off. So can they bounce and find these avenues to goal that they really had most of last year?

“They were awesome last year, he was a best and fairest the year before (in 2022).

“I reckon as soon as these guys correct, they'll go again, the Bombers.

“But if they can't, I'll worry about where it leaves them given how close the top eight is.”

Sunday’s clash at Marvel Stadium begins at 1:00 pm (AEST).