Can Bombers Make History in AFLW Finals?
The 2023 AFLW season has seen the Essendon Bombers surge to new heights, with a captivating season of high-scoring wins and thrilling battles. Now, with a spot in the finals secured, the question on everyone's lips is: can the Bombers make history and become the first team to win the AFLW premiership in their debut season?
A Season of Firsts
The Essendon Bombers have defied expectations in their inaugural AFLW campaign. They stormed into the season with a dynamic brand of football, built on a foundation of young talent and veteran leadership. Their attack, spearheaded by the likes of Sophie McDonald, Darcy Moore, and Katie Perkins, has been a constant threat, while their defense has proven to be surprisingly resilient.
The Bombers' rise has been driven by a number of key factors:
- Young talent: The influx of fresh faces has brought a vibrancy and energy to the side, with players like Alana Barba, Eloise Chaston, and Mia King showcasing their immense potential.
- Veteran leadership: Experienced players like Erin Phillips and Georgia Gee have provided valuable guidance and leadership, helping to shape the team's culture and instil a winning mentality.
- A dynamic game plan: Coach Natalie Wood has implemented a fast-paced, high-scoring style of play that suits the team's strengths.
The Challenges Ahead
While the Bombers' debut season has been a resounding success, the road to the AFLW premiership is still long and arduous. The finals series will test them against some of the league's most established teams, who are hungry to reclaim the title.
The Bombers will need to:
- Maintain their offensive firepower: Their high-scoring attack has been a key factor in their success, and they will need to continue finding the goals against tougher opposition.
- Tighten their defense: While their defense has improved, they will need to be even more resilient in the finals, limiting the scoring opportunities of their opponents.
- Embrace the pressure: The finals stage will be a high-pressure environment, and the Bombers will need to remain composed and focused under the scrutiny of the spotlight.
Can They Do It?
The answer to the question of whether the Bombers can make history is a resounding "maybe." They have the talent, the coaching, and the momentum to challenge for the title. But they will need to be at their very best to overcome the challenges ahead.
The journey to the AFLW premiership has only just begun for the Essendon Bombers. But one thing is for certain: their debut season has been a story of incredible achievement, and they are a team to be feared in the 2023 finals.
Whether they can make history remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Essendon Bombers are here to stay, and their story is just beginning.