And so, the rollercoaster continues for the Bombers.
Reinvigorated after a 0-2 start to the season, Essendon sits outside of the top eight on percentage ahead of a season-defining match against fellow finals aspirants, North Melbourne.
The Bombers are in the in the precarious position of relying on sides above them to drop points, in addition to having an arduous end to the season – travelling to Perth and Adelaide before meeting Collingwood in Round 23.
But will making the finals be enough?
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It will certainly put the city of Melbourne into a frenzy – should Essendon play finals alongside Richmond and Collingwood for the first time since 1973 – but for the Bombers, making it should not be the benchmark in 2019.
The pass mark is – as it has been since the start of the season – winning a final.
Regardless of how poorly they started the season, or where they may be at the moment, exiting the finals in the first week will only tape over the cracks until it starts again next season.
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The Bombers have just about taken over the Tigers in mastering the art of selling pre-season hope, convincing everyone ‘this will be the year’.
They have not won a final since 2004 – entering Richmond levels of embarrassment – having finished in the top-eight four times since then.
Despite not making the finals last year, 2019 was meant to be the big one with the inclusion of Dylan Shiel supposed to be what allowed Essendon to take the next step.
Woeful losses to the Giants and Saints to start their season meant the story was all too similar for Essendon supporters, with the club failing to deliver in the first few weeks after another much-hyped pre-season.
And while the Bombers have been cruelled with long-term injuries to Joe Daniher and Devon Smith, have been without Tom Bellchambers and Orazio Fantasia for prolonged periods and now look set to be without skipper Dyson Heppell this week, the signs have shown they can perform well without such big names.
Essendon has found this extra gear in the last month – winning four of their last five – but should this come as a surprise given where everyone thought this team was at?
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Or is this a true reflection of where the club is at?
Currently, the Bombers – like 12 other teams – are challenged with convincing the league they are not just a mid-table side.
A poor end to the year will be exacerbated by the Bombers not having a first-round pick in the draft, adding further questions to the side’s future.
The Bombers have shown they are capable of standing up when it matters.
Consecutive wins in clutch matches against GWS and Sydney prove they can win games when they’re expected and unexpected to.
Despite only sitting a game off sixth, it seems unlikely the Bombers will do enough to earn a home final – albeit one should never say never.
Winning a final would win them plenty of admirers.
And be a true indicator of improvement.
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