Tim Watson’s realistic outlook on where Essendon is at right now

The fallout and backlash from Essendon’s after-the-siren loss to Gold Coast has been quite fierce.

The Bombers went down by one point when Mac Andrew converted after the final siren in a game they had ample opportunity to win evidenced by an inaccurate 1.9 in the final term.

What compounded the defeat is the Dons were beaten by a Suns side that had not previously won away from home in 2024.

Many footy fans, Essendon and opposition alike, have been ferocious with their comments since the Saturday night downfall, but club great Tim Watson wanted to take a more realistic approach.

He cites the 11-9-1 record and percentage of 96 for Brad Scott’s men as key reasons as to why the Dons are where they are despite sitting in the top four up until Round 18.

“There’s been some wild, hysterical things that have been said after that loss and the capitulation,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.

“Look at the percentage. If you want to know how good Essendon are, their percentage this season is only better than three teams - West Coast, North Melbourne and Richmond.

“Look at where they sit on the ladder. They are the only three teams in the competition that they have a better percentage than.”

Many felt the Bombers were destined to improve on last year’s 11th-placed finish in Scott’s first season at the helm, however, things haven’t quite panned out that way in 2024.

To Watson it’s no surprise as he has a more balanced outlook to where the club currently sits.

“In my mind they are a slightly better team than what they were last year but they’ve still got a long way to go. They’re not a top four team,” Watson added.

“They need to add pieces over the next few years, they’ve got to identify talent, they’ve got to be able to build in the right way and they’ve got to be honest about where they’re at right now.

“I believe that they are (honest). I don’t believe that they are getting carried away believing that they’re only a small rung away from being able to compete with the very best. I think they’re a lot further than that away.”

The Dons, who sit 10th, meet ladder leaders Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Friday night before taking on Brisbane at the Gabba in Round 24.