I've done a quick review of each player and put them in 4 groups - those who didnt play seniors, those who had a year to forget, those who had an 'average' year, and those who remain important in the short and/or long term future. not everyone will agree with my comments or how I've categorised certain players, but it is what it is!
Didn’t feature
Ariel Steinberg
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles: 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Athletic type still learning the game who like many others in 2012 had his injury issues. Club has shown faith in him by offering another contract and we’ll hopefully see him debut in 2013
Hal Hunter
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles: 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Big bodied youngster currently on the rookie list whos football prowess may have been overshadowed by a full beard which gave him somewhat of a cult status amongst Bendigo fans. Played some good games for Bendigo before having some injury issues but showed enough to think he’s worth persisting with
Lauchlan Dalgleish
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Youngster who will be given time to develop at Bendigo
Luke Davis
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Was flying pre season and in the NAB cup but then cut down by injury. Hopefully can put this behind him and will be in line for debut in 2013 if we can impress again early next year
Anthony Long
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Perennially injured youngster and relation of former great unlikely to be kept on the list
Michael Ross
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Unsighted in the seniors this year after promising debit in 2011. Had injury issues and look for him to bounce back at Bendigo next year and push for senior selection
Brent Prismall
Age in 2013: 27, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Hasn’t played AFL since July 2011 will turn 27 in 2013. After a couple of major knee injuries and mixed form during his 61 game career certainly has his critics. Hopefully he can have an impact at senior level in 2013
Year to forget
Cale Hooker
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 17, ave disposals: 16.1, tackles: 1.6, marks: 5.6, goals: 0
Key position defender who has his share of both fans and critics. Was given the job to play on some of the games best key forwards Hawkins, Cloke etc in 2012 and has struggled on occasion, but to be fair hasn’t always had a lot of support. Can lack pace but usually very strong in the air if he can get to the contest - will be looking to improve in 2013
Henry Slattery
Age in 2013: 27, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 4.5, tackles: 1, marks: 0, goals: 0
Seems to have gone backwards from the once aggressive back pocket/shut down player he once was. In the past would have been in line to be picked on the oppositions most dangerous small forward, but now a shadow of his former self and unlikely he will be at the club next year
Mark McVeigh
Age in 2013: 32, games 2012: 3, ave disposals: 13, tackles 1, marks: 5, goals: 0.3
End of the road for spike who hung up the boots before the last game of the season. Explaining the body was not coping with the rigours of AFL footy. Great servant of the club and will be remembered fondly by many fans for his aggression and team work, and leadership on and off the field
Jake Melksham
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 22, ave disposals: 14.9, tackles: 2.3, marks: 4.1, goals: 0.6
Played every game for the season but many were calling for him to be dropped given his form -particularly later in the season. His decision making is questionable although this may just be a confidence thing – and he really seems to be a confidence player. It looks like the selection committee are going to persist with him and there is obviously some upside – jake just needs to show it more often and become more consistant
Kyle Reimers
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 5, ave disposals: 10, tackles 2.4, marks: 4.2, goals: 1.2
Interesting player often overlooked for a senior game inspite good form at Bendigo and a long injury list. Very dangerous around goal and can play on the ball, will be interesting to see what happens for Kyle in the off season as seems out of favour at Essendon…
Jason Winderlich
Age in 2013: 29, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 11, tackles: 2, marks: 5, goals: 2.5
Gifted forward sometime midfielder whos body is struggling with the rigours of AFL football. cant help but feel for Winders who has played only 6 games sinse August 2010 which is a concern. Many think we may have seen the best of Winders, and unless he can have a decent pre-season and stay on the park and string some games together they are probably right.
Tayte Pears
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 10, ave disposals:12.4, tackles 2.7, marks: 2.4, goals: 0
Frustrating year for Pears who probably hasn’t come on as some would have expected. Like many others will benefit if he can remain injury free for a while and have a strong pre-season
Travis Colyer
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 6, ave disposals:12, tackles 2.5, marks: 2.5, goals: 0.5,
Pacey midfielder and goal sneak who needs to improve his disposal to gain a regular spot in the 22. Can be damaging in short bursts but needs to find more consistency.
Not great but not terrible - 'average' year
Angus Monfries
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 15.1, tackles: 2.9, marks: 3.9, goals: 1
Medium sized forward who occasionally plays on the ball who was far from our wrost performer towards the end of the season when the team started to tail off. Good mark for his size and goal sense, but not sure how much more improvement there is in him. Good average player who had a reasonable year
Brendan Lee
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 18, tackles: 4, marks: 4.5, goals: 0
Mature aged rookie listed player promoted late in the year. Grabbed his chance when he came in and showed enough to prove hes at least a depth player and if he can pick up in a couple of areas may be more than that. Definitely knows how to find the footy – needs to improve disposal
Leroy Jetta
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 21, ave disposals: 14.2, tackles 3.2, marks: 2.9, goals: 1
Up and down year – often looks like he’s ready to rip games apart but rarely does. Lots of ability just needs to put it all together more often and not continue to get into the habit of feigning for free kicks.
Mark Baguley
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 7, ave disposals: 16.1, tackles 2.1, marks: 4, goals: 0
Grabbed his chance when he came off the rookie list to play the last 7 senior games and performed admirably. May be limited in ability but attacks the ball hard and a pretty reliable back pocket type player who is likely to be given more opportunity in 2013
Corey Dell’Olio
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 8, ave disposals: 8.8, tackles: 2.1, marks: 2.5, goals: 1.1
Flashy type promoted from rookie list after good form at Bendigo. Did OK in his first season of AFL but needs to find the ball more often if he is to become a permanent fixture in the starting 22
David Hille
Age in 2013: 32, games 2012: 9, ave disposals: 14.1, tackles: 1.1, marks: 5.2, goals: 1, hitouts: 13
The big ruckman has lost a yard or two of pace but and was probably passed by Tom Bellchambers in 2012. Big heart but not as mobile as he once was and has looked lumbering at times during the year. Out of contract but might be given 1 more year as back up to Ryder and Bellchambers
Jackson Merrett
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 1, ave disposals: 3, tackles: 4, marks: 2, goals: 0
Pick 31 from 2011 draft made his debut against Collingwood in the last game of the year and did a couple of nice things. Probably a bit early to make a call on him – certainly has pace and will be given plenty of time to develop at Bendigo
Nathan Lovett-Murray
Age in 2013: 31, games 2012: 17, ave disposals: 13.9, tackles 3.1, marks: 2.7, goals: 0.5
Getting older and may have lost a yard of pace but makes up for it in aggression and has reinvented himself as a professional SUB who usually has some impact when he comes on the ground. Is tough and experienced and will be rewarded for his solid year with another contract
Rick Dyson
Age in 2013: 28, games 2012: 12, ave disposals: 19.1, tackles 2, marks: 5.4, goals: 0.2
Started the season in great form and was a regular contributor when the team was running hot in the first half of the season. Has been around a while and proved many critics wrong this year – but like many others had injury issues and tailed off towards the end of the year. Great kick and can prove a valuable asset again in 2013
Sam Lonergan
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 14, ave disposals: 15, tackles 5.3, marks: 2.1, goals: 0.4
Decent player probably in a similar position to Dyson whos strength is his clearance work. At his best a fantastic clearance player but struggled for consistency – particularly in the latter half of the season. Not the worst on the list and likely to be kept on.
Scott Gumbleton
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 6, ave disposals:9.7, tackles 1.3, marks: 4, goals: 1.8
Finally got on the park after so many years being ruined by injury. With only 27 games to his name is still learning and whilst there were some good signs we need to be patient with this big marking forward. Should beneifit from his game time this year and a big pre-season, but probably hasn’t locked in his position in the 22 just yet
Important part of the future
Alex Browne
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012:6, ave disposals: 13.7, tackles: 1.2, marks: 3.2, goals: 0.5
Came in late in the year and held his place in the side playing the last 6 games. Has aggression and goal sense, and with another pre-season under his belt should be able to cement his place in the 22 in 2013
Alwyn Davey
Age in 2013: 29, games 2012:16, ave disposals: 12.5, tackles: 4, marks: 2.1, goals: 1.8
Really bounced back from an average 2011 – has been nippy and dangerous around goal and with 29 goals is runner up to Crameri (32 goals) as the clubs leading goal kicker. Our best small forward and still out of contract but will be offered another year.
Ben Howlett
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 19, ave disposals: 19.7, tackles: 6.4, marks: 3.3, goals: 0.3
Had a great year and has become a key ingredient in the midfield. Tackling machine who averages just under 20 possesions a game, and if he can continue to improve in 2013 we have a pretty serious midfielder on our hands who can take some of the pressure off Jobe
Brent Stanton
Age in 2013: 27, games 2012: 20, ave disposals: 24.8, tackles: 4.3, marks: 6.4, goals: 0.6
Was in career best form early in 2012 before tailing off towards the end of the year. Can struggle when tagged but his elite running ability usually enables him to find plenty of the ball. A player who will benefit immensely if some of the younger midfield players around him can improve and take the focus of opposition tags of himself and Jobe.
Courtenay Dempsey
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 20, ave disposals: 18.1, tackles: 3.1, marks: 5.3, goals: 0.2
Classy half back flanker in great form early in 2012 but like many others tailed off towards the end of the year. Very creative and great to watch in full flight, and will be an important part of the Essendons plans for the next 5 years if he can keep his form going.
David Myers
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 9, ave disposals: 17.3, tackles: 2, marks: 3.6, goals: 0.4
Versatile and classy type who whilst injured often probably had his best year of AFL. Played much of his career in defence but showed in 2012 he can play a role in the midfield, and even up forward where his long kick can be particularly damaging. Really like him up forward/rotating through the middle and likely to be asked to play this type of role more often next year. Important player and when not injured best 22.
David Zaharakis
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 13, ave disposals: 22.3, tackles: 3.2, marks: 3.3, goals: 0.5
Injured for much of 2012 and whilst he showed glimpse of his best wasn’t able to put it all together for much of the season. Still remains a very important player for the bombers moving forward, and will be hoping like many others to have a strong pre-season and an injury free 2013
Dustin Fletcher
Age in 2013: 28, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 16.1, tackles: 1.1, marks: 4.9, goals: 0.1
Evergreen defender who is still going strong and hopefully goes around for another year at least in 2013. Only remaining player from 2000 premiership team, is exceptional at reading the play and provides great leadership and guidance for our young defenders. Champion.
Dyson Heppell
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012: 20, ave disposals: 21.5, tackles: 3, marks: 5.6, goals: 0.2
Young gun who had a solid year playing in a variety of roles across the backline and through the midfield. Knows how to find the footy, is elusive and good in traffic, just needs to improve his decision making at times. Important part of the playing group moving forward who can hopefully take his game to the next level
Elliot Kavanagh
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 1, ave disposals: 13, tackles: 0, marks: 4, goals: 0
The number 19 draft pick from 2011 debuted in 2012 and didn’t look out of place either. Still needs time to develop but seems to have all the tools – skill, pace, endurance and can read the play. An important part of the young brigade moving forward and hopefully can string togethorsome more senior games in 2013
Heath Hocking
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 15.2, tackles: 4.7, marks: 2.1, goals: 0.2
Up and down year for this tough nut. Often used in a tagging role and sacrifices his own game as a result, but probably didn’t play as well as he would have liked in 2012. Can improve in 2013
Jake Carlisle
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 12.7, tackles: 2.1, marks: 4.6, goals: 0.1
Gun defender who was one of the stories of the season for the Bombers. Relishing his role down back, has great hands, and can play forward if needed. Looks set for a really bright future and probably starting centre half back in our best 22 for 2013
Jobe Watson
Age in 2013: 28, games 2012: 22, ave disposals: 29, tackles 4.8, marks: 4.8, goals: 0.9
Captain and best player who averages just under 30 possessions a game and is freakish in close and by hand. Brownlow medal favourate for most of the year, and hopefully will be rewarded for a great individual year in what was a poor year for the team. Needs more support
Kyle Hardingham
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 21, ave disposals: 12, tackles 1.7, marks: 3.9, goals: 0
High leaping defender with great athletic ability to jump at the last minute and mark or spoil. Decision making questionable at times, but a great asset to have down back and looks set for a bright future at the club
Michael Hibberd
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 13, ave disposals: 17.8, tackles 1.2, marks: 5, goals: 0.3
Tough competitor with good hands who reads the play well. Often makes searching runs from the back half – is creastive and strong. Set for a big year in 2013 and like many others will hope for better luck with injuries next year
Michael Hurley
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 16, ave disposals: 13.7, tackles 0.8, marks: 5.2, goals: 1.6
Brutish player who gives his all at every contest. Strong contested mark, good on the lead, can play forward where he will often get the oppositions best defender, or back, where he will take the oppositions best forward. Continuing to develop and a class player who is super importnant to the teams future prospects in 2013 and beyond
Nicholas O’Brien
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 12, tackles 0, marks: 2, goals: 1.5
Probably would have debuted earlier except for injury and came in to play the last 2 games of the season with big wraps on him and didn’t let anyone down. Proved what great goal sense he has. And didn’t look out of place at all at AFL level, likely to be given more games in 2013.
Patrick Ryder
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 15, ave disposals: 13.6, tackles 2.5, marks: 5.9, goals: 1.1, hitouts: 21.9
Good year for Paddy who proved what a valuable player he is – weather its in the ruck or up forward. Hopefully will be able to spend more time in the forward line in 2013 with the emergence of Tom Bellchambers where his strong contested marking and long accurate kicking is a feature
Stuart Crameri
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 18, ave disposals:13.8, tackles 2.2, marks: 4.2, goals: 1.8
Leading goal kicker at the club with 32 majors. Was in great form early and then like many others injury slowed him down and probably didn’t get back to his very best. A very dangerous and creative forward who has pace, strength and the ability to kick goals quickly
Tom Bellchambers
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 16, ave disposals:11.6, tackles 1.3, marks: 4.8, goals: 0.6, hitouts: 28
Breakout year for this ruckman sometime forward who has become an important player who can damage opposition sides on the scoreboard when moving forward. Look for further imporovement in 2013
Didn’t feature
Ariel Steinberg
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles: 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Athletic type still learning the game who like many others in 2012 had his injury issues. Club has shown faith in him by offering another contract and we’ll hopefully see him debut in 2013
Hal Hunter
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles: 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Big bodied youngster currently on the rookie list whos football prowess may have been overshadowed by a full beard which gave him somewhat of a cult status amongst Bendigo fans. Played some good games for Bendigo before having some injury issues but showed enough to think he’s worth persisting with
Lauchlan Dalgleish
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Youngster who will be given time to develop at Bendigo
Luke Davis
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Was flying pre season and in the NAB cup but then cut down by injury. Hopefully can put this behind him and will be in line for debut in 2013 if we can impress again early next year
Anthony Long
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Perennially injured youngster and relation of former great unlikely to be kept on the list
Michael Ross
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Unsighted in the seniors this year after promising debit in 2011. Had injury issues and look for him to bounce back at Bendigo next year and push for senior selection
Brent Prismall
Age in 2013: 27, games 2012: 0, ave disposals: 0, tackles 0, marks: 0, goals: 0
Hasn’t played AFL since July 2011 will turn 27 in 2013. After a couple of major knee injuries and mixed form during his 61 game career certainly has his critics. Hopefully he can have an impact at senior level in 2013
Year to forget
Cale Hooker
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 17, ave disposals: 16.1, tackles: 1.6, marks: 5.6, goals: 0
Key position defender who has his share of both fans and critics. Was given the job to play on some of the games best key forwards Hawkins, Cloke etc in 2012 and has struggled on occasion, but to be fair hasn’t always had a lot of support. Can lack pace but usually very strong in the air if he can get to the contest - will be looking to improve in 2013
Henry Slattery
Age in 2013: 27, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 4.5, tackles: 1, marks: 0, goals: 0
Seems to have gone backwards from the once aggressive back pocket/shut down player he once was. In the past would have been in line to be picked on the oppositions most dangerous small forward, but now a shadow of his former self and unlikely he will be at the club next year
Mark McVeigh
Age in 2013: 32, games 2012: 3, ave disposals: 13, tackles 1, marks: 5, goals: 0.3
End of the road for spike who hung up the boots before the last game of the season. Explaining the body was not coping with the rigours of AFL footy. Great servant of the club and will be remembered fondly by many fans for his aggression and team work, and leadership on and off the field
Jake Melksham
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 22, ave disposals: 14.9, tackles: 2.3, marks: 4.1, goals: 0.6
Played every game for the season but many were calling for him to be dropped given his form -particularly later in the season. His decision making is questionable although this may just be a confidence thing – and he really seems to be a confidence player. It looks like the selection committee are going to persist with him and there is obviously some upside – jake just needs to show it more often and become more consistant
Kyle Reimers
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 5, ave disposals: 10, tackles 2.4, marks: 4.2, goals: 1.2
Interesting player often overlooked for a senior game inspite good form at Bendigo and a long injury list. Very dangerous around goal and can play on the ball, will be interesting to see what happens for Kyle in the off season as seems out of favour at Essendon…
Jason Winderlich
Age in 2013: 29, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 11, tackles: 2, marks: 5, goals: 2.5
Gifted forward sometime midfielder whos body is struggling with the rigours of AFL football. cant help but feel for Winders who has played only 6 games sinse August 2010 which is a concern. Many think we may have seen the best of Winders, and unless he can have a decent pre-season and stay on the park and string some games together they are probably right.
Tayte Pears
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 10, ave disposals:12.4, tackles 2.7, marks: 2.4, goals: 0
Frustrating year for Pears who probably hasn’t come on as some would have expected. Like many others will benefit if he can remain injury free for a while and have a strong pre-season
Travis Colyer
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 6, ave disposals:12, tackles 2.5, marks: 2.5, goals: 0.5,
Pacey midfielder and goal sneak who needs to improve his disposal to gain a regular spot in the 22. Can be damaging in short bursts but needs to find more consistency.
Not great but not terrible - 'average' year
Angus Monfries
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 15.1, tackles: 2.9, marks: 3.9, goals: 1
Medium sized forward who occasionally plays on the ball who was far from our wrost performer towards the end of the season when the team started to tail off. Good mark for his size and goal sense, but not sure how much more improvement there is in him. Good average player who had a reasonable year
Brendan Lee
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 18, tackles: 4, marks: 4.5, goals: 0
Mature aged rookie listed player promoted late in the year. Grabbed his chance when he came in and showed enough to prove hes at least a depth player and if he can pick up in a couple of areas may be more than that. Definitely knows how to find the footy – needs to improve disposal
Leroy Jetta
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 21, ave disposals: 14.2, tackles 3.2, marks: 2.9, goals: 1
Up and down year – often looks like he’s ready to rip games apart but rarely does. Lots of ability just needs to put it all together more often and not continue to get into the habit of feigning for free kicks.
Mark Baguley
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 7, ave disposals: 16.1, tackles 2.1, marks: 4, goals: 0
Grabbed his chance when he came off the rookie list to play the last 7 senior games and performed admirably. May be limited in ability but attacks the ball hard and a pretty reliable back pocket type player who is likely to be given more opportunity in 2013
Corey Dell’Olio
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 8, ave disposals: 8.8, tackles: 2.1, marks: 2.5, goals: 1.1
Flashy type promoted from rookie list after good form at Bendigo. Did OK in his first season of AFL but needs to find the ball more often if he is to become a permanent fixture in the starting 22
David Hille
Age in 2013: 32, games 2012: 9, ave disposals: 14.1, tackles: 1.1, marks: 5.2, goals: 1, hitouts: 13
The big ruckman has lost a yard or two of pace but and was probably passed by Tom Bellchambers in 2012. Big heart but not as mobile as he once was and has looked lumbering at times during the year. Out of contract but might be given 1 more year as back up to Ryder and Bellchambers
Jackson Merrett
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 1, ave disposals: 3, tackles: 4, marks: 2, goals: 0
Pick 31 from 2011 draft made his debut against Collingwood in the last game of the year and did a couple of nice things. Probably a bit early to make a call on him – certainly has pace and will be given plenty of time to develop at Bendigo
Nathan Lovett-Murray
Age in 2013: 31, games 2012: 17, ave disposals: 13.9, tackles 3.1, marks: 2.7, goals: 0.5
Getting older and may have lost a yard of pace but makes up for it in aggression and has reinvented himself as a professional SUB who usually has some impact when he comes on the ground. Is tough and experienced and will be rewarded for his solid year with another contract
Rick Dyson
Age in 2013: 28, games 2012: 12, ave disposals: 19.1, tackles 2, marks: 5.4, goals: 0.2
Started the season in great form and was a regular contributor when the team was running hot in the first half of the season. Has been around a while and proved many critics wrong this year – but like many others had injury issues and tailed off towards the end of the year. Great kick and can prove a valuable asset again in 2013
Sam Lonergan
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 14, ave disposals: 15, tackles 5.3, marks: 2.1, goals: 0.4
Decent player probably in a similar position to Dyson whos strength is his clearance work. At his best a fantastic clearance player but struggled for consistency – particularly in the latter half of the season. Not the worst on the list and likely to be kept on.
Scott Gumbleton
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 6, ave disposals:9.7, tackles 1.3, marks: 4, goals: 1.8
Finally got on the park after so many years being ruined by injury. With only 27 games to his name is still learning and whilst there were some good signs we need to be patient with this big marking forward. Should beneifit from his game time this year and a big pre-season, but probably hasn’t locked in his position in the 22 just yet
Important part of the future
Alex Browne
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012:6, ave disposals: 13.7, tackles: 1.2, marks: 3.2, goals: 0.5
Came in late in the year and held his place in the side playing the last 6 games. Has aggression and goal sense, and with another pre-season under his belt should be able to cement his place in the 22 in 2013
Alwyn Davey
Age in 2013: 29, games 2012:16, ave disposals: 12.5, tackles: 4, marks: 2.1, goals: 1.8
Really bounced back from an average 2011 – has been nippy and dangerous around goal and with 29 goals is runner up to Crameri (32 goals) as the clubs leading goal kicker. Our best small forward and still out of contract but will be offered another year.
Ben Howlett
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 19, ave disposals: 19.7, tackles: 6.4, marks: 3.3, goals: 0.3
Had a great year and has become a key ingredient in the midfield. Tackling machine who averages just under 20 possesions a game, and if he can continue to improve in 2013 we have a pretty serious midfielder on our hands who can take some of the pressure off Jobe
Brent Stanton
Age in 2013: 27, games 2012: 20, ave disposals: 24.8, tackles: 4.3, marks: 6.4, goals: 0.6
Was in career best form early in 2012 before tailing off towards the end of the year. Can struggle when tagged but his elite running ability usually enables him to find plenty of the ball. A player who will benefit immensely if some of the younger midfield players around him can improve and take the focus of opposition tags of himself and Jobe.
Courtenay Dempsey
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 20, ave disposals: 18.1, tackles: 3.1, marks: 5.3, goals: 0.2
Classy half back flanker in great form early in 2012 but like many others tailed off towards the end of the year. Very creative and great to watch in full flight, and will be an important part of the Essendons plans for the next 5 years if he can keep his form going.
David Myers
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 9, ave disposals: 17.3, tackles: 2, marks: 3.6, goals: 0.4
Versatile and classy type who whilst injured often probably had his best year of AFL. Played much of his career in defence but showed in 2012 he can play a role in the midfield, and even up forward where his long kick can be particularly damaging. Really like him up forward/rotating through the middle and likely to be asked to play this type of role more often next year. Important player and when not injured best 22.
David Zaharakis
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 13, ave disposals: 22.3, tackles: 3.2, marks: 3.3, goals: 0.5
Injured for much of 2012 and whilst he showed glimpse of his best wasn’t able to put it all together for much of the season. Still remains a very important player for the bombers moving forward, and will be hoping like many others to have a strong pre-season and an injury free 2013
Dustin Fletcher
Age in 2013: 28, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 16.1, tackles: 1.1, marks: 4.9, goals: 0.1
Evergreen defender who is still going strong and hopefully goes around for another year at least in 2013. Only remaining player from 2000 premiership team, is exceptional at reading the play and provides great leadership and guidance for our young defenders. Champion.
Dyson Heppell
Age in 2013: 21, games 2012: 20, ave disposals: 21.5, tackles: 3, marks: 5.6, goals: 0.2
Young gun who had a solid year playing in a variety of roles across the backline and through the midfield. Knows how to find the footy, is elusive and good in traffic, just needs to improve his decision making at times. Important part of the playing group moving forward who can hopefully take his game to the next level
Elliot Kavanagh
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 1, ave disposals: 13, tackles: 0, marks: 4, goals: 0
The number 19 draft pick from 2011 debuted in 2012 and didn’t look out of place either. Still needs time to develop but seems to have all the tools – skill, pace, endurance and can read the play. An important part of the young brigade moving forward and hopefully can string togethorsome more senior games in 2013
Heath Hocking
Age in 2013: 26, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 15.2, tackles: 4.7, marks: 2.1, goals: 0.2
Up and down year for this tough nut. Often used in a tagging role and sacrifices his own game as a result, but probably didn’t play as well as he would have liked in 2012. Can improve in 2013
Jake Carlisle
Age in 2013: 22, games 2012: 18, ave disposals: 12.7, tackles: 2.1, marks: 4.6, goals: 0.1
Gun defender who was one of the stories of the season for the Bombers. Relishing his role down back, has great hands, and can play forward if needed. Looks set for a really bright future and probably starting centre half back in our best 22 for 2013
Jobe Watson
Age in 2013: 28, games 2012: 22, ave disposals: 29, tackles 4.8, marks: 4.8, goals: 0.9
Captain and best player who averages just under 30 possessions a game and is freakish in close and by hand. Brownlow medal favourate for most of the year, and hopefully will be rewarded for a great individual year in what was a poor year for the team. Needs more support
Kyle Hardingham
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 21, ave disposals: 12, tackles 1.7, marks: 3.9, goals: 0
High leaping defender with great athletic ability to jump at the last minute and mark or spoil. Decision making questionable at times, but a great asset to have down back and looks set for a bright future at the club
Michael Hibberd
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 13, ave disposals: 17.8, tackles 1.2, marks: 5, goals: 0.3
Tough competitor with good hands who reads the play well. Often makes searching runs from the back half – is creastive and strong. Set for a big year in 2013 and like many others will hope for better luck with injuries next year
Michael Hurley
Age in 2013: 23, games 2012: 16, ave disposals: 13.7, tackles 0.8, marks: 5.2, goals: 1.6
Brutish player who gives his all at every contest. Strong contested mark, good on the lead, can play forward where he will often get the oppositions best defender, or back, where he will take the oppositions best forward. Continuing to develop and a class player who is super importnant to the teams future prospects in 2013 and beyond
Nicholas O’Brien
Age in 2013: 20, games 2012: 2, ave disposals: 12, tackles 0, marks: 2, goals: 1.5
Probably would have debuted earlier except for injury and came in to play the last 2 games of the season with big wraps on him and didn’t let anyone down. Proved what great goal sense he has. And didn’t look out of place at all at AFL level, likely to be given more games in 2013.
Patrick Ryder
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 15, ave disposals: 13.6, tackles 2.5, marks: 5.9, goals: 1.1, hitouts: 21.9
Good year for Paddy who proved what a valuable player he is – weather its in the ruck or up forward. Hopefully will be able to spend more time in the forward line in 2013 with the emergence of Tom Bellchambers where his strong contested marking and long accurate kicking is a feature
Stuart Crameri
Age in 2013: 25, games 2012: 18, ave disposals:13.8, tackles 2.2, marks: 4.2, goals: 1.8
Leading goal kicker at the club with 32 majors. Was in great form early and then like many others injury slowed him down and probably didn’t get back to his very best. A very dangerous and creative forward who has pace, strength and the ability to kick goals quickly
Tom Bellchambers
Age in 2013: 24, games 2012: 16, ave disposals:11.6, tackles 1.3, marks: 4.8, goals: 0.6, hitouts: 28
Breakout year for this ruckman sometime forward who has become an important player who can damage opposition sides on the scoreboard when moving forward. Look for further imporovement in 2013
