The big storyline that’s looming over Essendon after Geelong defeat

Essendon failed to make a statement in their top-four pursuit on Saturday night, going down to Geelong 105-60 at the MCG.

A win would have put the Dons up to second, but they’re now fourth and just half a game clear of the Cats and Magpies while the in-form Lions are also breathing down their neck just four premiership points adrift in seventh.

While the Dons have a win-loss record of 9-5-1 in 2024 which would have exceeded hopes for the club's supporters, they’re continually falling short against quality opposition with all of their victories coming against sides placed eighth or lower on the ladder.

Damian Barrett thinks it’s the big storyline that’s looming over Essendon’s campaign and would worry Dons fans given the side was also 8-5 before their bye in 2023 before eventually finishing 11th.

“They’ve got to be better,” Barrett said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

“We have a look at the quality of the opponent they’re beating and losing to this year.

“Have a look at the ladder positions of the teams they’ve beaten (13th, 15th, 8th, 14th, 16th, 9th, 18th, 17th, 16th), it’s a storyline that’s going to continue to have doubts inside Essendon’s people's heads.

“That’s given what happened late last season where they just fell off the face of the earth from a good finals position to outside of it totally.

“There is a real lack of quality on that list right now and they’re yet to convince anyone and themselves maybe.”

Kane Cornes thinks that the Dons must pick up a genuine scalp if they’re to emerge as a top-four threat come season’s end, which is why he feels Friday night’s clash against Collingwood will be significant in how their campaign plays out.

“That’s why Friday night is so big against Collingwood,” Cornes said.

“They have played in some big games and in front of big crowds this year the Bombers, but this one on Friday night - they need a scalp I think.

“But I never really considered them a top-four contender.

“I thought winning a final this year would be a significant tick on the path of where they need to go.”

Friday’s clash between the Pies and Dons is set for 7:40 pm (AEST) at the MCG.