The Offseason: Essendon

[TiarneSwersky]

The Offseason will be a series of articles analysing each team’s list management, trade and free agency targets, and the biggest recruitment decisions to be made as the end of another season approaches.

First up, the Bombers.

What they need?

The Bombers desperately need a forward partner to line-up next to Joe Daniher in 2017.

With Cale Hooker as their swingman, and Aaron Francis and Kyle Langford developing nicely as the high, medium forwards, the Bombers lack another key target, as well as another genuine small forward, in their forward half.

Daniher has worked tirelessly in 2016, and his poor goal kicking has often overshadowed just how hard he runs during the game.

With Jack Reiwoldt and Travis Cloke seemingly on the market in the offseason, the Bombers could go after an established 200-gamer. Shane Kersten and Nathan Vardy could also seek more opportunities outside of Geelong, while Tyrone Vickery should also made available by the Tigers.

If they don’t trade for one, they must prioritise drafting a key forward. The Bombers could also add to their developing midfield stocks.

Biggest names out of contract

Jobe Watson (UFA)
Tayte Pears (UFA)
Jayden Laverde
Martin Gleeson
James Kelly & Matthew Dea (top-ups)

Best signing of the year

Any of the ‘banned Bombers’ could be regarded as the biggest signings of the year, but the biggest and best was Michael Hurley. With both Victorian and interstate clubs circling the key defender, Hurley recommitted to the Bombers on a five-year deal.

Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer, Tom Bellchambers, David Myers, Travis Colyer, Brent Stanton, Ben Howlett, Heath Hocking are the other suspended players to have resigned to the club, while stand-in captain Brendon Goddard signed a one year deal last week.

Who won’t be there next year?

Michael Hibberd – the half-back flanker requested a trade from the club in August, seeking a ‘fresh start’.

Courtenay Dempsey – as an unrestricted free agent, the once dashing halfback may not don the sash next season after a lacklustre two years at the club.

Adam Cooney and Matthew Stokes have called it a day, while James Gwilt will most likely have to find another club to continue his career.

The futures of Shaun McKernan, Nick Kommer, Jason Ashby and Shaun Edwards will also be discussed.

Best find of the year

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti – The elevated rookie became one of the stories of the year after a breakout debut season for the Bombers. He was the spark in a difficult year, playing 21 games and averaging 15 touches.

Orazio Fantasia – The small forward had a career-best year, playing 19 games (previous best was 5), kicking 29 goals and averaging 15 disposals.

Matthew Dea – The defender came to the club as a top-up, player after a great season, he may have earned himself another chance at an AFL career. A career best 21 games – averaging 17 disposals and six marks.

Biggest decision looming

Pick 1 – After a challenging four years, the Bombers are the proud owners of the most prized possession heading into the off-season.

Clubs will enquire, and the Bombers will take the meetings. But will they trade pick 1 for a key midfielder or forward, or will they go to draft day with the pick of the bunch?

Jobe Watson – Will Jobe go on in 2017 or hang up the boots and seriously pursue his life after football as a barista? The decision isn’t Essendon’s to make, but it’s one the club would love to know before the off-season kicks off.

Throw a lifeline to...

Matthew Dea and James Kelly. These top-up players were the best of the bunch and all 18 clubs can resign them as delisted free agents before November.

Nick Dal Santo – The Bombers could use some more experience and polish down back, and Dal Santo could be a low-risk, inexpensive option to pursure across half-back. Dal Santo said he is keen to play on after being told his services were not needed at Arden Street, and the 32-year-old finished off the home and away season in solid form.

Trade Bait

Pick 1 – The Bombers hold the keys to the best trade bait of all – the first pick in the national draft. Will they use it to lure an elite midfielder, a key forward, or trade it to strengthen their position in the first round of the draft.

Michael Hibberd – The Demons have firmed as the favourites for the defender, but the Bombers have said they want an earlier pick than the Demons’ pick 27.

Trade Targets

Jaeger O’meara – John Worsfold declared Essendon’s intentions of landing the 22-year old midfielder in October – saying “we would love to have him at Essendon” last week.

Hayden Ballantyne – Western Australian media reported last week the Bombers had fielded a three-year deal to lure the small forward to Tullamarine. The Bombers need another small forward, and Ballantyne could add some spice up forward.

GWS – James Stewart, Will Hoskin-Elliot, Jack Steele and Caleb Marchbank are all out-of-contract for the Giants, and the Bombers should raid some of their fringe talent.

Aaron Black – The forward is all but set to leave North Melbourne, and at 25 years of age, could be a good addition to the Bombers’ forward line. His best output to date was 33 goals from 18 games in 2014.

Surprise move of the off-season?

Essendon to strongly pursue Sydney’s Sam Reid.

Reid can play as forward, back or as a back-up ruckman, and would provide the Bombers with incredible flexibility should he get fit and back to his best.

*This article was originally posted on The Roar by Tiarne Swersky*

 

[Jaeger]

Unless there's a young gun key forward they want in the draft to grow alongside Daniher, I'd definitely put pick 1 on the table and see what offers come their way.

 

[JDavey]

Unless there's a young gun key forward they want in the draft to grow alongside Daniher, I'd definitely put pick 1 on the table and see what offers come their way.

I would be entertaining offers but from what I understand next year is meant to be better for KPF. Hooker did a great job playing in the forward line with Daniher but I personally think his best is down back. With that said Hartley emerged this year as a possible replacement if Hooker is forced forward.

Bellchambers is also returning and with Leuy finding some form as the ruck I would expect TBC to be starting forward in 2017. Daniher, TBC, Hooker, Langford, Fantasia, Colyer could be our forward six.

As I said, wouldn't be opposed to turning that #1 pick into a KPF if it means sending Hooker back again.

 

[Prochard123]

Despite finishing last year, Essendon does have some good players on either end of the ground.
Fantasia Daniher both future top 10 players for the club.
Brown/Hartley/Dea all serviceable down back and can hold their own against decent forwards.
Leunburger/Bellchambers are OK but both below average in AFL on top of being injury prone themselves.

However the midfield has some severe issues. Obviously the return of Heppell and possibly Watson will help Merrett/Goddard/Zaharakis. Nonetheless, I think they require another quality midfielder to at least breakeven in the centre.

I'd seriously consider both Prestia and O'meara from Gold Coast. Not only do you get 2 quality young midfielders (albeit injury prone) but also it allows players like Merrett and Goddard to play on the outside which seems like where they're most damaging.
Pick 1 +Pick 27(Hibberd)+Second round pick for Prestia+O'meara+Gold Coast's third rounder/Currie

Another young forward or ruck would also be appropriate. I'm not going to mention Witts here although I think he is a good fit considering other supporters have this consensus of him being "trash", "Disgustingly bad" and "Offensive to the term 'trash' ". Therefore I would make a play for Lobb and try to convince him to come to Victoria.

Pick 1 for GWS's first rounder+Lobb

 

[HirdsTheWord]

Despite finishing last year, Essendon does have some good players on either end of the ground.
Fantasia Daniher both future top 10 players for the club.
Brown/Hartley/Dea all serviceable down back and can hold their own against decent forwards.
Leunburger/Bellchambers are OK but both below average in AFL on top of being injury prone themselves.

However the midfield has some severe issues. Obviously the return of Heppell, Melkshem and possibly Watson will help Merrett/Goddard/Zaharakis. Nonetheless, I think they require another quality midfielder to at least breakeven in the centre.

I'd seriously consider both Prestia and O'meara from Gold Coast. Not only do you get 2 quality young midfielders (albeit injury prone) but also it allows players like Merrett and Goddard to play on the outside which seems like where they're most damaging.
Pick 1 +Pick 27(Hibberd)+Second round pick for Prestia+O'meara+Gold Coast's third rounder/Currie

Another young forward or ruck would also be appropriate. I'm not going to mention Witts here although I think he is a good fit considering other supporters have this consensus of him being "trash", "Disgustingly bad" and "Offensive to the term 'trash' ". Therefore I would make a play for Lobb and try to convince him to come to Victoria.

Pick 1 for GWS's first rounder+Lobb

melksham is at melb bro

 

[Gumby2Hurley]

Despite finishing last year, Essendon does have some good players on either end of the ground.
Fantasia Daniher both future top 10 players for the club.
Brown/Hartley/Dea all serviceable down back and can hold their own against decent forwards.
Leunburger/Bellchambers are OK but both below average in AFL on top of being injury prone themselves.

However the midfield has some severe issues. Obviously the return of Heppell, Melkshem and possibly Watson will help Merrett/Goddard/Zaharakis. Nonetheless, I think they require another quality midfielder to at least breakeven in the centre.

I'd seriously consider both Prestia and O'meara from Gold Coast. Not only do you get 2 quality young midfielders (albeit injury prone) but also it allows players like Merrett and Goddard to play on the outside which seems like where they're most damaging.
Pick 1 +Pick 27(Hibberd)+Second round pick for Prestia+O'meara+Gold Coast's third rounder/Currie

Another young forward or ruck would also be appropriate. I'm not going to mention Witts here although I think he is a good fit considering other supporters have this consensus of him being "trash", "Disgustingly bad" and "Offensive to the term 'trash' ". Therefore I would make a play for Lobb and try to convince him to come to Victoria.

Pick 1 for GWS's first rounder+Lobb

Melksham isn't on the list anymore. You talk about our rucks being below average yet you throw up Currie as an option??? Pick 1 for 7 and Lobb is overs so we would have to give a future pick back. I agree, Witts in the PSD would be good.


smh return of melksham

 

[Falcon27]

The Offseason will be a series of articles analysing each team’s list management, trade and free agency targets, and the biggest recruitment decisions to be made as the end of another season approaches.

First up, the Bombers.

What they need?

The Bombers desperately need a forward partner to line-up next to Joe Daniher in 2017.

With Cale Hooker as their swingman, and Aaron Francis and Kyle Langford developing nicely as the high, medium forwards, the Bombers lack another key target, as well as another genuine small forward, in their forward half.

Daniher has worked tirelessly in 2016, and his poor goal kicking has often overshadowed just how hard he runs during the game.

With Jack Reiwoldt and Travis Cloke seemingly on the market in the offseason, the Bombers could go after an established 200-gamer. Shane Kersten and Nathan Vardy could also seek more opportunities outside of Geelong, while Tyrone Vickery should also made available by the Tigers.

If they don’t trade for one, they must prioritise drafting a key forward. The Bombers could also add to their developing midfield stocks.

Biggest names out of contract

Jobe Watson (UFA)
Tayte Pears (UFA)
Jayden Laverde
Martin Gleeson
James Kelly & Matthew Dea (top-ups)

Best signing of the year

Any of the ‘banned Bombers’ could be regarded as the biggest signings of the year, but the biggest and best was Michael Hurley. With both Victorian and interstate clubs circling the key defender, Hurley recommitted to the Bombers on a five-year deal.

Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer, Tom Bellchambers, David Myers, Travis Colyer, Brent Stanton, Ben Howlett, Heath Hocking are the other suspended players to have resigned to the club, while stand-in captain Brendon Goddard signed a one year deal last week.

Who won’t be there next year?

Michael Hibberd – the half-back flanker requested a trade from the club in August, seeking a ‘fresh start’.

Courtenay Dempsey – as an unrestricted free agent, the once dashing halfback may not don the sash next season after a lacklustre two years at the club.

Adam Cooney and Matthew Stokes have called it a day, while James Gwilt will most likely have to find another club to continue his career.

The futures of Shaun McKernan, Nick Kommer, Jason Ashby and Shaun Edwards will also be discussed.

Best find of the year

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti – The elevated rookie became one of the stories of the year after a breakout debut season for the Bombers. He was the spark in a difficult year, playing 21 games and averaging 15 touches.

Orazio Fantasia – The small forward had a career-best year, playing 19 games (previous best was 5), kicking 29 goals and averaging 15 disposals.

Matthew Dea – The defender came to the club as a top-up, player after a great season, he may have earned himself another chance at an AFL career. A career best 21 games – averaging 17 disposals and six marks.

Biggest decision looming

Pick 1 – After a challenging four years, the Bombers are the proud owners of the most prized possession heading into the off-season.

Clubs will enquire, and the Bombers will take the meetings. But will they trade pick 1 for a key midfielder or forward, or will they go to draft day with the pick of the bunch?

Jobe Watson – Will Jobe go on in 2017 or hang up the boots and seriously pursue his life after football as a barista? The decision isn’t Essendon’s to make, but it’s one the club would love to know before the off-season kicks off.

Throw a lifeline to...

Matthew Dea and James Kelly. These top-up players were the best of the bunch and all 18 clubs can resign them as delisted free agents before November.

Nick Dal Santo – The Bombers could use some more experience and polish down back, and Dal Santo could be a low-risk, inexpensive option to pursure across half-back. Dal Santo said he is keen to play on after being told his services were not needed at Arden Street, and the 32-year-old finished off the home and away season in solid form.

Trade Bait

Pick 1 – The Bombers hold the keys to the best trade bait of all – the first pick in the national draft. Will they use it to lure an elite midfielder, a key forward, or trade it to strengthen their position in the first round of the draft.

Michael Hibberd – The Demons have firmed as the favourites for the defender, but the Bombers have said they want an earlier pick than the Demons’ pick 27.

Trade Targets

Jaeger O’meara – John Worsfold declared Essendon’s intentions of landing the 22-year old midfielder in October – saying “we would love to have him at Essendon” last week.

Hayden Ballantyne – Western Australian media reported last week the Bombers had fielded a three-year deal to lure the small forward to Tullamarine. The Bombers need another small forward, and Ballantyne could add some spice up forward.

GWS – James Stewart, Will Hoskin-Elliot, Jack Steele and Caleb Marchbank are all out-of-contract for the Giants, and the Bombers should raid some of their fringe talent.

Aaron Black – The forward is all but set to leave North Melbourne, and at 25 years of age, could be a good addition to the Bombers’ forward line. His best output to date was 33 goals from 18 games in 2014.

Surprise move of the off-season?

Essendon to strongly pursue Sydney’s Sam Reid.

Reid can play as forward, back or as a back-up ruckman, and would provide the Bombers with incredible flexibility should he get fit and back to his best.

*This article was originally posted on The Roar by Tiarne Swersky*

Great synopsis of the EFC list from opposition supporter. Agree with it all until you got to the throw a life line part and mentioned Nick dal Santo. Too old, and we have enough experience. I do want to see both Kelly and Dea stay, but that's all.

In regard to trade bait, I hope we don't trade pick 1 and get a pick for Hibberd as you mention. Just take our picks to the draft and build from within, as there is a decent core group of players to work with currently.

Trade targets: O'Meara - Hope not as too risky. Ballantyne - Just no. We have Fantasia to fill that role. GWS - Maybe, but not at any great expense. Black - No, hasn't come on.

Reid is a bit injury prone also, so hopefully not. Is he currently playing seniors at the Swans?

 

[cdcanman]

The Offseason will be a series of articles analysing each team’s list management, trade and free agency targets, and the biggest recruitment decisions to be made as the end of another season approaches.

First up, the Bombers.

What they need?

The Bombers desperately need a forward partner to line-up next to Joe Daniher in 2017.

With Cale Hooker as their swingman, and Aaron Francis and Kyle Langford developing nicely as the high, medium forwards, the Bombers lack another key target, as well as another genuine small forward, in their forward half.

Daniher has worked tirelessly in 2016, and his poor goal kicking has often overshadowed just how hard he runs during the game.

With Jack Reiwoldt and Travis Cloke seemingly on the market in the offseason, the Bombers could go after an established 200-gamer. Shane Kersten and Nathan Vardy could also seek more opportunities outside of Geelong, while Tyrone Vickery should also made available by the Tigers.

If they don’t trade for one, they must prioritise drafting a key forward. The Bombers could also add to their developing midfield stocks.

Biggest names out of contract

Jobe Watson (UFA)
Tayte Pears (UFA)
Jayden Laverde
Martin Gleeson
James Kelly & Matthew Dea (top-ups)

Best signing of the year

Any of the ‘banned Bombers’ could be regarded as the biggest signings of the year, but the biggest and best was Michael Hurley. With both Victorian and interstate clubs circling the key defender, Hurley recommitted to the Bombers on a five-year deal.

Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer, Tom Bellchambers, David Myers, Travis Colyer, Brent Stanton, Ben Howlett, Heath Hocking are the other suspended players to have resigned to the club, while stand-in captain Brendon Goddard signed a one year deal last week.

Who won’t be there next year?

Michael Hibberd – the half-back flanker requested a trade from the club in August, seeking a ‘fresh start’.

Courtenay Dempsey – as an unrestricted free agent, the once dashing halfback may not don the sash next season after a lacklustre two years at the club.

Adam Cooney and Matthew Stokes have called it a day, while James Gwilt will most likely have to find another club to continue his career.

The futures of Shaun McKernan, Nick Kommer, Jason Ashby and Shaun Edwards will also be discussed.

Best find of the year

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti – The elevated rookie became one of the stories of the year after a breakout debut season for the Bombers. He was the spark in a difficult year, playing 21 games and averaging 15 touches.

Orazio Fantasia – The small forward had a career-best year, playing 19 games (previous best was 5), kicking 29 goals and averaging 15 disposals.

Matthew Dea – The defender came to the club as a top-up, player after a great season, he may have earned himself another chance at an AFL career. A career best 21 games – averaging 17 disposals and six marks.

Biggest decision looming

Pick 1 – After a challenging four years, the Bombers are the proud owners of the most prized possession heading into the off-season.

Clubs will enquire, and the Bombers will take the meetings. But will they trade pick 1 for a key midfielder or forward, or will they go to draft day with the pick of the bunch?

Jobe Watson – Will Jobe go on in 2017 or hang up the boots and seriously pursue his life after football as a barista? The decision isn’t Essendon’s to make, but it’s one the club would love to know before the off-season kicks off.

Throw a lifeline to...

Matthew Dea and James Kelly. These top-up players were the best of the bunch and all 18 clubs can resign them as delisted free agents before November.

Nick Dal Santo – The Bombers could use some more experience and polish down back, and Dal Santo could be a low-risk, inexpensive option to pursure across half-back. Dal Santo said he is keen to play on after being told his services were not needed at Arden Street, and the 32-year-old finished off the home and away season in solid form.

Trade Bait

Pick 1 – The Bombers hold the keys to the best trade bait of all – the first pick in the national draft. Will they use it to lure an elite midfielder, a key forward, or trade it to strengthen their position in the first round of the draft.

Michael Hibberd – The Demons have firmed as the favourites for the defender, but the Bombers have said they want an earlier pick than the Demons’ pick 27.

Trade Targets

Jaeger O’meara – John Worsfold declared Essendon’s intentions of landing the 22-year old midfielder in October – saying “we would love to have him at Essendon” last week.

Hayden Ballantyne – Western Australian media reported last week the Bombers had fielded a three-year deal to lure the small forward to Tullamarine. The Bombers need another small forward, and Ballantyne could add some spice up forward.

GWS – James Stewart, Will Hoskin-Elliot, Jack Steele and Caleb Marchbank are all out-of-contract for the Giants, and the Bombers should raid some of their fringe talent.

Aaron Black – The forward is all but set to leave North Melbourne, and at 25 years of age, could be a good addition to the Bombers’ forward line. His best output to date was 33 goals from 18 games in 2014.

Surprise move of the off-season?

Essendon to strongly pursue Sydney’s Sam Reid.

Reid can play as forward, back or as a back-up ruckman, and would provide the Bombers with incredible flexibility should he get fit and back to his best.

*This article was originally posted on The Roar by Tiarne Swersky*

Pretty good summary I think.
A healthy Sam Reid would be a godsend for EFC. Would give them the best set of talls in the game. Not sure he is available however.
Surely TBC doesn't play if their best 22 is up and running? Hocking and Howlett must spend a bit of time down there too, no? If they play consistently they will do nothing but stifle the development of Laverde, Parish etc. I can understand why EFC fans want to get back into finals and start winning again, but not at the expense of their future. They are not going to contend with their current list, but a combination of Heppell, Daniher and Hurley with the next generation certainly can. Shouldn't sacrifice the future to win a few more games next year.

I agree that they should dangle pick 1, especially in this draft with no stand outs, see what teams are willing to give up. But if nobody blows them away, they should draft the best kid in the nation and not look back. Another classy mid would have that midfield looking tip top in 3-4 years time.

 

[HirdsTheWord]

as i have said in other threads O Meara needs to pass a tough physical before we go for him

We dont want another scott gumbleton thanks

 

[TiarneSwersky]

Great synopsis of the EFC list from opposition supporter. Agree with it all until you got to the throw a life line part and mentioned Nick dal Santo. Too old, and we have enough experience. I do want to see both Kelly and Dea stay, but that's all.

In regard to trade bait, I hope we don't trade pick 1 and get a pick for Hibberd as you mention. Just take our picks to the draft and build from within, as there is a decent core group of players to work with currently.

Trade targets: O'Meara - Hope not as too risky. Ballantyne - Just no. We have Fantasia to fill that role. GWS - Maybe, but not at any great expense. Black - No, hasn't come on.

Reid is a bit injury prone also, so hopefully not. Is he currently playing seniors at the Swans?

Reid hasn't played this year due to injury. But with 98 games under his belt, a premiership and with great size and marking abilities, he could be a great addition to a side.

 

[tizzay7]

Dean towers for your third rounder?

 

[cdcanman]

as i have said in other threads O Meara needs to pass a tough physical before we go for him

We dont want another scott gumbleton thanks

He needs to want to play for Essendon before you need to put him through a tough physical before you go for him

 

[westking]

Pretty good summary I think.
A healthy Sam Reid would be a godsend for EFC. Would give them the best set of talls in the game. Not sure he is available however.
Surely TBC doesn't play if their best 22 is up and running? Hocking and Howlett must spend a bit of time down there too, no? If they play consistently they will do nothing but stifle the development of Laverde, Parish etc. I can understand why EFC fans want to get back into finals and start winning again, but not at the expense of their future. They are not going to contend with their current list, but a combination of Heppell, Daniher and Hurley with the next generation certainly can. Shouldn't sacrifice the future to win a few more games next year.

I agree that they should dangle pick 1, especially in this draft with no stand outs, see what teams are willing to give up. But if nobody blows them away, they should draft the best kid in the nation and not look back. Another classy mid would have that midfield looking tip top in 3-4 years time.

I believe this is how the club will play it. It has to be an exceptional deal otherwise they take pick 1 to the draft.

 

[HirdsTheWord]

He needs to want to play for Essendon before you need to put him through a tough physical before you go for him

would say thats a given.

 

[Jeremias]

There'll be talk about parting ways with pick 1 but I'll be absolutely stunned if the Bombers are seriously considering trading it.

Maybe there isn't a standout selection at that pick this year but it doesn't have much effect on the value of that pick. Odds are they'll still be able to pick a brilliant long-term footballer.

For mine though they can afford to shop around their 2016 2nd round pick as well as their 2017 first round pick to see if that can shake loose some real quality. They'll back themselves in to rebound relatively quickly from this year and so they should.

I reckon they're in a great position to land O'Meara and if I were them I'd be offering both those picks as well as a player to get him across.

Having a look at their squad I also think they need another key defender to partner with Hurley. Hartley has been very good and Brown can play down there too but it's certainly an area I'd look to add to. Woosha was on SEN this morning and Eric Mackenzie popped up in the discussion - I reckon he'd be a very good addition and wouldn't cost too much to bring across.

Add both O'Meara and Mackenzie as well as the best young kid in the country and all of a sudden things are looking very promising for the Bombers.

 

[VanDemonxx]

How about just best possible talent available?

 

[cdcanman]

There'll be talk about parting ways with pick 1 but I'll be absolutely stunned if the Bombers are seriously considering trading it.

Maybe there isn't a standout selection at that pick this year but it doesn't have much effect on the value of that pick. Odds are they'll still be able to pick a brilliant long-term footballer.

For mine though they can afford to shop around their 2016 2nd round pick as well as their 2017 first round pick to see if that can shake loose some real quality. They'll back themselves in to rebound relatively quickly from this year and so they should.

I reckon they're in a great position to land O'Meara and if I were them I'd be offering both those picks as well as a player to get him across.

Having a look at their squad I also think they need another key defender to partner with Hurley. Hartley has been very good and Brown can play down there too but it's certainly an area I'd look to add to. Woosha was on SEN this morning and Eric Mackenzie popped up in the discussion - I reckon he'd be a very good addition and wouldn't cost too much to bring across.

Add both O'Meara and Mackenzie as well as the best young kid in the country and all of a sudden things are looking very promising for the Bombers.

Key back is about the last position EFC need to concern themselves with.
Hurley, Hartley and Hooker might be one too many as is. Add Brown, Ambrose played there this year and Francis can play tall, not an area of need IMO

 

[Jeremias]

Key back is about the last position EFC need to concern themselves with.
Hurley, Hartley and Hooker might be one too many as is. Add Brown, Ambrose played there this year and Francis can play tall, not an area of need IMO

I posted that on the assumption they'd be playing Hooker forward. If they move him back then it's a forward they need to target rather than a defender.

Brown has been good this year but I reckon he's better up forward than he is down back. He's also a 3rd tall option at either end IMO rather than a key position player.

If I were the Bombers I wouldn't be relying on Ambrose. Average player at best.

 

[Established1870]

Pick 1 for Lobbe and Sam Gray?

 

[Tbonefreo]

There'll be talk about parting ways with pick 1 but I'll be absolutely stunned if the Bombers are seriously considering trading it.

Maybe there isn't a standout selection at that pick this year but it doesn't have much effect on the value of that pick. Odds are they'll still be able to pick a brilliant long-term footballer.

For mine though they can afford to shop around their 2016 2nd round pick as well as their 2017 first round pick to see if that can shake loose some real quality. They'll back themselves in to rebound relatively quickly from this year and so they should.

I reckon they're in a great position to land O'Meara and if I were them I'd be offering both those picks as well as a player to get him across.

Having a look at their squad I also think they need another key defender to partner with Hurley. Hartley has been very good and Brown can play down there too but it's certainly an area I'd look to add to. Woosha was on SEN this morning and Eric Mackenzie popped up in the discussion - I reckon he'd be a very good addition and wouldn't cost too much to bring across.

Add both O'Meara and Mackenzie as well as the best young kid in the country and all of a sudden things are looking very promising for the Bombers.

There might be some leg to that one re: ,EMac. Woosha was his coach for a while

 

[DHepp21]

I posted that on the assumption they'd be playing Hooker forward. If they move him back then it's a forward they need to target rather than a defender.

Brown has been good this year but I reckon he's better up forward than he is down back. He's also a 3rd tall option at either end IMO rather than a key position player.

If I were the Bombers I wouldn't be relying on Ambrose. Average player at best.

Ambrose has shut down a lot of very good key forwards this year. See Hurley, Hartley and one of Ambrose or Brown as our talls down back.

 

[MightyDons4]

Pick 1 for Lobbe and Sam Gray?

You the guy that wanted a 1st rounder for Ah Chee?

 

[Jeremias]

Ambrose has shut down a lot of very good key forwards this year. See Hurley, Hartley and one of Ambrose or Brown as our talls down back.

Has he?

Maybe I'm just not seeing it with him. He's not terrible but if there's a good opportunity to improve in that position you take it.

 

[Donakebab]

Pick 1 for Lobbe and Sam Gray?

Picks 91 & 109 for Robbie & Sam Gray?

 

[DHepp21]

Has he?

Maybe I'm just not seeing it with him. He's not terrible but if there's a good opportunity to improve in that position you take it.

Don't think we need ageing rejects. Mackenzie and Brown aren't too bad but I'd prefer to develop Ambrose who is relatively young. Also key defenders are probably our biggest strengths.