Nathan Bassett on forward 50 entries against Essendon:
“I think we were quite simple with the way we used the ball.
“We took the easy option. Probably kicked down the line a little more. And I thought the guys worked well together in the forward line.
“Most importantly, we kicked really straight for goal.
Bassett on the forward structure:
“I thought we held our shape really well as a forward line.
“We got a relatively consistent contest down the line. I thought Robbie (Gray) was important - he spent more time forward the last two weeks.
“He connected really well and finished his work.
Bassett on Robbie Gray and Cam Sutcliffe:
“It’s whatever is best for the team.
“It’s good to have his experience in the forward line. Him and Cam Sutcliffe - who was playing his first game in the forward line on the weekend. I thought he did his role, and used the footy well going inside 50.
“It was great for Todd Marshall to come back in the side and play well.
Bassett on the players’ mindset:
“I think kicking straight early helps, as silly as it sounds.
“It gives the guys some belief that they are working in the right direction. We finished well early - Robbie kicked some great set shots early. Cam Sutcliffe kicked a cracking goal from the boundary, and we built from there.
“The ball use around the entire ground was very good, but there was also some good defence that helped us win the ball back.
Bassett on Sutcliffe’s inclusion since being drafted:
“It was a tough way for him to come in.
“He has generally done what we have asked of him to do in a side that hasn’t been travelling brilliantly in his first three games.
“It was great for him to play a role as a high. It was good to have some support around Connor (Rozee) and Zak Butters - someone who’s got some experience, and helps those younger guys.
“I thought he played a great game. He gave us some great shape on the ground and then got back inside 50, won some balls and importantly kicked the ball well.
Bassett on Peter Ladhams and Paddy Ryder:
“I thought Pete (Ladhams) was very good.
“Especially his follow up post ruck contest, and gave us some great off-ball defence.
“Paddy played his role well enough in the forward line. Whenever the ball was kicked in his area, more often than not the ball came to ground, and gives our guys a chance to compete.
“His ruck craft is very good.
Bassett on the run home:
“Each game is winnable if we play somewhere near our best.
“We are aiming to play somewhere near our best each and every week. We play Sydney this week, who are a good competitive side.
“They are a very young team, and we know our best is good enough to beat them.
Bassett on the strong performance against the Bombers:
“The frustration creeps in when things aren’t going so well.
“When you kick the ball at 76 per cent. You kick six goals from back 50. And you kick 14.2 from set shots.
“At the moment, you would say they are outliers because they have been unusual. The good sign is that they are in us, and it’s about getting close to that each week.
