For me, it’s because of our form since defeating the Cats back in RD 8. Since then we’ve had a total of four wins - three of which were against lowly teams - Saints, Roos (which we nearly lost) and Weagles. And if Essendon are indeed the pretenders so many label them as, then basically not one “scalp” since the beginning of May.
The tightness of the AFL ladder this year flatters many, including us. We may Bradbury our way into the eight this year, but if I’m honest, I think I’d rather see a bunch of early surgeries and an extra few weeks of pre-season than we’ve been afforded in recent years.