Big-game experiences to steel Bombers for future

Perth Now

30-04-2025

A timely reality check from Collingwood is the type of experience that will prepare Essendon for bigger and better things in the future, says young gun Archie Roberts.
The Bombers cracked in against Collingwood on Anzac Day, but were blown away by the Magpies' more experienced heads when push came to shove.
But Roberts, 19, expects the Bombers' youngsters to be steeled by the big-game experience and quickly bounce back against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
"It's only going to make us stronger, to be honest," Roberts told AAP.
"We want to play at the end of the year, and these games are just as similar to the end of the year in the finals.
"So as much as we can experience this experience, that crowd and that atmosphere, it's only going to be better for us."
Roberts has quickly become a lock in Essendon's defence, earning the trust and faith of coach Brad Scott and development coach Ben Jacobs.
The second-year defender can play lock-down roles, along with winning the ball and using his superb kicking to effect.
"I'm loving being given the opportunity to play this year, and the coach has put a lot of faith in me to play on some pretty good forwards," he said.
"I'm loving my time right now.
"The boys are awesome. They're supporting me, and though I might not be experienced, I hope all the boys can trust me on the field and I can play for a little while longer."
Roberts is enjoying establishing himself alongside fellow young guns Nate Caddy and Isaac Kako.
But he's delighted in watching key back Zach Reid overcome a horror run with injury to establish himself alongside Jordan Ridley and Ben McKay.
"I love playing with him," Roberts said.
"He's not the loudest guy, but he can turn it on when he's on the field, and he makes the game easier to play with.
"That goes with 'Rids' and Benny McKay as well. All three of them are stars, and they're going to be spearheads for us in the future."
The Kangaroos, without Paul Curtis (suspension) and the injured George Wardlaw, are looking to snap a five-game losing run on Thursday night.
"North are a quality side. They've shown that this year, and we're going to have to come with our A-game to beat them," Roberts said.
"They've got a lot of great talent, and they've got a great way of playing footy.
"So we're looking forward to the challenge because we know they're going to come up against us pretty hard."