That second-quarter surge from Hawthorn proved crucial, with Sam Mitchell’s men repeatedly punishing Essendon turnovers and cutting through the Bombers’ defensive structure like a hot knife through butter.
McGrath said the match highlighted the inconsistencies that can come with an evolving roster.
“I think the way we defend the field is a big part (of it),” he said.
“Obviously tonight they were able to pierce us. The first quarter, especially, we felt like we stabbed them in the back a little bit.
“With our young roster, we’re going to have some inconsistencies. We were able to move the ball well, and then we had some big turnovers in some really bad areas on the ground, and they were able to bounce back.”
Despite the result, McGrath was quick to praise Merrett’s influence.
“We always knew he was going to be one of our best players tonight,” McGrath said of the six-time best and fair winner and former captain who asked for a trade with Hawthorn in the off-season.
“He’s a great player – he lives for these games.
“He’s a great teammate to have on your side.”
McGrath said he was proud of Merrett, for continuing to lead by example.
When asked about the importance of Merrett’s presence at the club following the turmoil of the past 12 months, McGrath said the Bombers’ focus remained on playing together.
“I think tonight we are all red and black,” he said.
Scott was full of praise for his former captain.
“Zach’s game was probably what everyone expected. I think (his condition) affects everyone. Anyone who goes through a tough time shows resilience.
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“Pro athletes, no matter the situation, have to be able to stand up. It takes a certain kind of character to do that, and nobody should be surprised about how Zach played tonight because we know him so well. That’s just what he’s made of.”
McGrath tasted defeat in his first game as Essendon captain – a role he admitted carries an extra responsibility.
“It’s a little different,” he said.
“You’re carrying more weight, and I think you’re losing a little more weight.
“You wish you could do more for your teammates, and you just want to help, and you want us to be better.”
Green Jack Gunston had an off night for the Hawks.Balance: AFL Pictures
Attackers will now turn their attention to react quickly.
“We’ll go through it, we’ll think about it,” McGrath said.
“The next 48 hours are difficult after a loss, but we will look at where we can improve and come Monday ready for next week.”
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Mitchell, on the other hand, said he was pleased with the Hawks’ secondary performance this season, especially after being blown out by the Giants in the first round.
He gave special mention to his two best players on the night – Dylan Moore and Connor Macdonald – who spent a week in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. after news of their arrest in Arizona in November.
“I was really pleased with the guys. Obviously, it’s been a rough week for them individually,” Mitchell said.
“Forgetting what happened just for a second, you’ve got two guys who are on the front and back pages of the paper and there’s a lot of weight on them, a lot of awareness of how they went, (and) a lot of people have an opinion.
“Being able to perform at a high level with everything around you… I’m proud that they were able to do that.
“You just want to play football and keep getting better, but there are times in the game when there’s a lot of eyeballs on you, everyone’s talking about you, and you’re doing press conferences.
“In this game you have to be able to play in a lot of situations. I’m glad that those guys were able to play at a high level with weeks that weren’t normal.”
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