Essendon has to aim for better consistency, says Adam Saad

Essendon’s good last season was very good, but it’s bad was very ordinary. Although the Bombers snuck into the finals, Adam Saad says that shouldn’t be enough for the playing group.

Adam Saad models the Big V jumper ahead of the bushfire relief game. Picture: Nicole Cleary

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Essendon needs to bridge the gap between its best and worst if it wants to make its mark in this year’s finals, according to Bombers star Adam Saad.

Speaking ahead of his Victorian debut in the Bushfire Relief game on Friday night, Saad said the Bombers were working overtime in an effort to elevate their output.

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He played the first final of his 92 AFL-game career last season when he booted two goals among 18 disposals in the club’s elimination final blowout against West Coast.

“It’s a different ball game,” Saad said of the 55-point loss to the Eagles in Perth.

“We are not looking too far ahead, but we know we have to keep working hard and see where that takes us.

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“We want to be more consistent as a team. We need to bridge the gap (between the best and worst performances) and win more games.

“That’s what drives me.

“There is a lot of growth ahead for us. It’s all about enjoying the journey and hopefully the success comes down the line.”

Adam Saad played his first final last season. Picture: AAP

Saad, 25, is coming off his best season, having finished third in Essendon’s best and fairest award, but still believes he can work towards improving his game.

He can’t wait to join forces with his “brother” Bachar Houli in the Vics’ line-up and said it was a dream scenario he thought may never happen.

He also said the coaching succession plan involving John Worsfold and Ben Rutten was a seamless situation for the players and said he loved working with both.