Ben Rutten has lauded Peter Wright after the Essendon spearhead's six-goal performance in the unlikely AFL win over Hawthorn.
Wright was crucial as the Bombers, ravaged by five late withdrawals because of illness before the match, turned a 25-point deficit during the third term into a 27-point victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
The 203cm target man kicked one goal in each of the first three terms and three of Essendon's eight in a final-quarter blitz that decided the contest.
Wright has now kicked 23.7 from eight games this season, putting himself firmly in Coleman Medal contention and on track for a career-best year.
"Pete was huge tonight," Bombers coach Rutten said.
"Ever since he's come to the club I've just loved his work ethic and his appetite to get better.
"No matter how good his form is or who his opponent is, he does the work and puts the time in during the week.
"He's a great role model for our younger players and to get the reward is not surprising because he's doing the work."
Rutten also said Essendon will have to re-think Devon Smith's rehabilitation program after the former best-and-fairest winner's planned stint on the sidelines was put on hold.
Smith, who has struggled this season and was dropped after round five, was not named in the Bombers' initial 26-player squad to face Hawthorn.
But the 28-year-old received a late SOS from Rutten on the morning of the game when teammates began pulling out through illness.
It came three days after Essendon football manager Josh Mahoney said Smith would be sent to the rehabilitation group to complete a "mini-preseason" to build up the muscles around his troublesome knee.
Smith had 10 disposals, dished off three goal assists and laid six tackles against the Hawks.
"He had a big session planned today and he got one tonight for us," Rutten said.
"I'm not sure what it means going forward just yet, we're going to have to sit down and have a think about it."
The Bombers' win gave them a 2-6 record ahead of an away clash with Sydney in round nine.
