ESSENDON forward Ben Howlett is confident the Bombers' big win over Richmond last weekend has set them up to charge up the ladder in the second half of the season.
The Bombers demolished the Tigers by 50 points and are aiming for more of the same against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.
"We're starting to get our ball movement back a bit and we're starting to look dangerous going forward with the ball," Howlett told AFL.com.au.
"Over the break, in that weekend that we had off, we had some great training sessions where we implemented some ball-movement strategies.
"As you could see against Richmond, it seemed to come out during the game."
The Giants have lost seven games on the trot since defeating Melbourne in round three, yet Howlett and his teammates won't be taking them lightly.
"I rate GWS very highly," Howlett said. "They played exceptionally well against Hawthorn last week, and they're a great contested ball side, and at such a young age.
"You can tell that in future years they're going to be a great team, just because of that."
"This game's going to be very important for us. They'll come out very fiery, but hopefully we can get the four points."
Howlett has renewed confidence in his own ability after booting five goals and gathering 25 disposals in the victory over Richmond.
He had kicked only two goals in his previous seven games in 2014.
"I'd had two solid weeks on the track, so I had the confidence in my ability to run throughout the game," he said.
"I thought I was going to be fresh compared to others, so I was just happy to contribute on the night. The team played well and that's all that matters."
Howlett was the beneficiary of an extraordinary piece of luck in the third quarter, when Tigers defender Alex Rance shanked a kick across goal.
The ball trickled to Howlett, who calmly picked it up and kicked a goal from close range.
Rance's effort was later labelled the "worst piece of play of the year, if not the decade" by Access All Areas host Garry Lyon.
"There was a bit of luck in it, I guess," Howlett said with a chuckle.
"I was actually out of position. I just put my head down to run and get my man, then I looked back and the ball was coming towards me.
"So it was all luck, really. I guess for him it wasn't the best kick, but I'll certainly take it.
"The ball seemed to come my way at times. You can have those sort of nights."
