ESSENDON locked in its second finals appearance in a row on Saturday night, defeating Carlton by 36 points at Ikon Park.

Speaking to the media post match, Essendon coach Nat Wood discussed how she was feeling about her side making the finals again.  

“I think it’s relief knowing that we were able to achieve what we set out what we set out to do today,” Wood said.

“We knew Carlton’s pressure was going to be really high and it was, particularly early. We were a bit flat footed and didn’t adjust.

“It was credit to the group at quarter time, even at the back end of the first quarter, in terms of going back to our values and our purpose.

“Having spoken to a couple of leaders, that was the thing they were talking about. It’s so great when we come back to who we are and our purpose. The results don’t always take care of themselves, but tonight it did.”

Wood also praised the work ethic of Maddison Gay and how important she is in the Bombers’ system.

“Maddi Gay has been terrific for us this year” Wood said.

“She’s been a high calibre player for many years. The work that she’s been able to do in terms of fitting into our back, working really well with our backs and helping people to play, being able to be a lot more physical.

“To have such a great demean and teamwork, that sets her up to get on the attack, but it’s off the back of all backs, including our wings and ruck at times, being able to create that.

“Sometimes she’s got someone on her, but now her confidence to attack the ball that we know that her drive off half back and if she overruns someone, we’ll help fix it up.

“She’s been phenomenal. She changes angles really well. She’s got really fast feet. She was able to open up the game for us.”