KFC SuperFooty TV: Jay Clark and Jack Watts on the big footy issues, preview Round 23

Essendon has the chance to end one of footy’s biggest hoodoos. And there’s a good reason relief for long-suffering fans could be at hand. Watch KFC SuperFooty TV.

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August 18, 2021 - 6:00PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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Making the finals is just the first step.

If Essendon claims a top eight spot, it would exceed the expectations of most footy experts in a huge tick for Ben Rutten’s coaching.

And it would give the Bombers an opportunity to silence the critics — and social media accounts — who delight in pointing out how long it is since Essendon last won a final.

As of Wednesday, that was 6192 days.

WATCH A NEW EPISODE OF KFC SUPERFOOTY TV ABOVE

Essendon last claimed victory in September on September 4, 2004 — a five-point elimination final thriller against Melbourne.

It has made finals in 2009, 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2019 but fallen at the first hurdle each time, often by big margins. Could this year be different?

Jack Watts says yes.

Dyson Heppell made his AFL debut seven years after Essendon’s last finals victory.

The former No.1 draft pick and Melbourne and Port Adelaide star said on KFC SuperFooty TV that current Bombers players wouldn’t feel the pressure of achieving what teams in the past 17 years couldn’t, and would enjoy the freedom of being the underdog.

“I think they certainly can (cause some damage in the finals)”, Watts said.

“Whoever they come up against in that first week, if they do manage to sneak in there, the opposition is going to be expected to win.

“I think going into a finals series with absolutely no pressure on you whatsoever is a huge advantage.

“I’m sure the coach would say just enjoy it, embrace it, and anything can happen when you go in with that mindset.

“They’d be a danger.”

Essendon has a 2-7 record against top eight sides this year, but one of those wins came two weeks ago against the Western Bulldogs — a team the Bombers could face in an elimination final if results fall their way this weekend.

Also on this week’s show, the boys debate if the Dogs are still genuine contenders, the vacant Carlton coaching job, the legacy of Eddie Betts and their tips for every game in Round 23.