Overtime

For years, both Essendon and West Coast have found themselves trapped between ambition and reality, clinging to past success while struggling to establish a clear path forward. Now, however, there are genuine signs that both clubs may finally be turning the corner, ushering in the beginnings of a new era.

For two clubs sitting near the bottom of the ladder, talking about a “new era” might feel a little early. But if you look beyond the results, both Essendon and West Coast are starting to show something they have lacked for a while, direction.

For Essendon, this is not just about one bad season. It has been their story for the better part of two decades. The Bombers have not won a finals game since September 4, 2004, against Melbourne, and that weight hangs over the club every single year. Every loss feels bigger because of it.

This season has only added to that pressure. A 17th straight defeat suggests things are getting worse, not better. But like a lot of rebuilding sides, the reality is a bit more layered than that.

Against the Western Bulldogs, Essendon were completely outplayed early. They conceded the first five goals and trailed by 54 points at halftime. It looked like it was heading towards another heavy loss. Instead, they responded.

Led by Zach Merrett, the Bombers came out after the break with far more intent, kicking four unanswered goals in the third quarter and actually bringing some pressure around the ball. It did not change the result, but it showed something important. This group is not rolling over anymore.

There are also genuine positives starting to emerge. Jacob Farrow, just two games in, already looks comfortable across half back with a lethal left foot. Archie Roberts continues to rack up touches, and the younger players are clearly being trusted more. Even from a fantasy perspective, Angus Roberts slightly outscoring someone like Marcus Bontempelli says a lot about the responsibility he is already carrying.

Essendon are still a long way off, but for the first time in a while, it feels like they are actually building towards something instead of just drifting with no apparent end in sight.

West Coast’s situation is very different, and their recent history proves it.

This is a club that won a premiership as recently as 2018, so the expectation and standard is completely different. That is what makes the past few years so jarring, but also what makes their current position a bit more understandable.

Yes, the 128-point loss to Sydney was ugly; a ‘reality check’ some may say. It was a reminder of how far off the top sides they still are. But it is only one part of the story.

The Eagles were coming off back to back upset wins against North Melbourne and Port Adelaide. Two games most people, myself included, would not have tipped them to win. In my own preseason predictions, I had them finishing bottom without much improvement, and that already looks like a call I would take back. There are real signs of growth.

Former electrician Milan Murdock surprised many in his debut and then looked even better in his second game before injury, showing flashes of a player who could become a genuine star. First overall pick Willem Duursma is also starting to show why he was taken so highly, already impacting games in patches.

This is still a young side, and performances like that Sydney loss will happen. But unlike previous years, there are also signs they can compete, and even win, when things start to click.

What makes this interesting is that both clubs are moving forward, just in different ways. Essendon are trying to rebuild trust in their system and close the gap after years of stagnation, while West Coast are earlier in the process but have fully committed to handing the keys to their next generation. One is learning how to stay in games, the other is learning how to finish them, but both feel like they are actually heading somewhere. A new era is not something you can lock in this early, and it will not be smooth, there will be losses like Essendon’s and tough nights like West Coast’s, but there will also be moments that show what is coming, and right now both clubs are starting to produce them.