Promising Essendon small forward Isaac Kako should focus on the defensive side of his game to unlock his potential, teammate Peter Wright says.
Kako was one of the most exciting players in last year’s draft – a member of the Bombers’ Next Generation Academy who booted four goals in a pre-season match against Geelong in February.
Essendon forward Isaac Kako feels the heat.Credit: Getty Images
But the No.13 draft pick has been held goalless for his past three matches, and is averaging 10.2 disposals per match.
Wright said the team wanted to get the ball into Kako’s hands as much as possible because of his ability to make something of his possessions, but the small forward should be focusing on chasing pressure and tackles.
“For him, it’s just bringing that real defensive mindset. I think that’s how small forwards really get into the game,” Wright told reporters outside the MCG on Monday ahead of Essendon’s Sunday night clash with Carlton.
“Clearly, Isaac’s someone with just a tremendous amount of talent. We love playing with him,” Wright said. “If he can just bring that consistent pressure, I think the rest of his game will flow from that and he’ll play a really important team role.”
The tall forward said the upcoming game was a big opportunity in a tight competition, and he relished the King’s Birthday eve timeslot against one of Essendon’s greatest rivals.
“Any time you get two big Melbourne clubs playing against each other, you feel that extra bit of pressure and expectation from your supporter base,” he said. “I think on Sunday night it’s going to be a massive crowd, and that adds to the atmosphere. Where we both are on the ladder, it obviously means a lot to both teams.”
Mitch McGovern.Credit: Getty Images
Carlton defender Mitch McGovern said the Blues, who are 13th on the ladder, were looking for a reset after their bye, and to bounce back for the second half of the year.
McGovern said the competition was too even to not be putting in a four-quarter effort, and that’s what his side would be focusing on after consistently letting other teams back into the game.
“We think we’re doing a lot right. We’re defending really well. We’re a connected group. We just need to finish our plays,” he said.
He said the side did not want to rely too much on its tall forwards and was working on a more even contribution.
“When you’ve got a tall target like them, like Charlie [Curnow] or Harry [McKay], it’s hard to not kick [to them] when you know how good they are and what they can produce,” McGovern said.
“But it’s more for us being selfless teammates and bringing other people into the game, sort of how we can, I guess score better as a collective rather than individuals.”
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