AFL 2024: Essendon recruit Ben McKay praises size of backline

The AFL off-season’s biggest recruit says Essendon can turn a major vulnerability into a strength in 2024.

Ben McKay in Essendon colours. Picture: Essendon FC

Essendon recruit Ben McKay says height in defence can turn from one of the Bombers’ biggest vulnerabilities to a strength in 2024.

McKay says he has settled in well at Essendon with the help of his former coach Brad Scott and Kangaroos teammate Todd Goldstein and is impressed by the work ethic of the Bombers’ younger players who hit the track for the first day of pre-season on Monday.

The 202cm defender, who had an up-and-down final season at North Melbourne but was still rated elite by Champion Data for intercept marks with 3.8 per game, said he was excited to join forces with quartet Mason Redman, Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde and injury-prone top 10 pick Zach Reid, who he all considered strong interceptors.

Essendon has struggled to handle the game’s biggest key forwards since the retirement of key defensive mainstays Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker, with hulking Geelong veteran Tom Hawkins terrorising their defence with 13 goals in two meetings last season.

“I think (height in defence) is an asset for the footy club now, and I’m really excited to be a part of it and play my role among those guys,” McKay said.

Ben McKay (left) in his new club colours with Darcy Parish (centre) and Nic Martin at Essendon’s sponsorship announcement with Dutton Automotive on Monday. Picture: Michael Klein

“I think the flexibility and the height down there can be something we can really use … it’s a really nice blend of height and running.”

McKay will not enter full pre-season training until the Bombers’ senior players return on November 27 but said he would continue to drop in for sessions as he meets teammates and coaches for the first time.

“The last couple of weeks I’ve floated in and met a few people. It’s always easier when you introduce yourself and start to build that rapport with some players and staff,” he said.

“We’re not back officially for a couple weeks more, but I’ll float in and continue (to build) those relationships and familiarise myself with The Hangar.

“The guys who have been at the club, their work ethic has been really strong … I can only go off a small (sample) size, but from what I’ve noticed so far even the staff members as well, how diligent they are about wanting success for the club and the best for the athlete is really noticeable.”

Veteran Bombers recruit Todd Goldstein put in a strong session on the first day of pre-season training after reuniting with longtime coach Brad Scott on Monday. Picture: Michael Klein

McKay said fellow recruits Xavier Duursma, Jade Gresham and longtime teammate Goldstein had made his job assimilating into the club “a bit easier” in the last month.

He was pleased to be playing for Brad Scott again after four games under the Bombers coach in his injury-interrupted first four seasons at Arden Street.

“I didn’t play a heap of footy under him, but to reacquaint myself with Scotty and build that relationship again is exciting. He’s been great throughout the whole process,” McKay said.

“He’s been really consistent about how I can add to the team, my strengths aerially and how I can fit in with the group.”

The Bombers announced a big commercial move on Monday, parting ways with Amart as its co-major partner after five years and signing a new three-year deal with Dutton Automotive.

“We look forward to working with Dutton Automotive to further cement their position as Australia’s largest pre-owned vehicle specialist,” Essendon boss Craig Vozzo said.

“Essendon thanks Dutton Automotive for its support, and we all look forward to what we can achieve together over the duration of the partnership.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Essendon recruit Ben McKay praises size of backline