Delisted #41: Ben McNiece

[citizen-erased]

small locking defender is one of the few needs we need filling is it not? i mean in the event of a bags injury

we have Ambrose. they are still picking pieces of Hill out from the MCG turf.

 

[Mercuri Rising]

Welcome Ben!

Essendon Football Club has finalised its list ahead of the 2017 season with the signing of Ben McNiece as the Bombers’ inaugural Next Generation Academy player.

The 178cm defender was eligible as a Category B Rookie for the position on the Club’s list as his mother was born in India.

McNiece said he was honoured to be given the chance to play senior football.

“I’m extremely grateful for the chance to be part of an elite football environment and to work under senior coach, John Worsfold,” McNiece said.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for me to realise my dream of playing senior football, and to be able to do what I love on a full time basis is a huge honour.

“I’m looking forward to putting in the hard work and hopefully that gives me every chance to play at the elite level next season.”

The 24 year-old has been a member of the Club’s VFL outfit for the past two seasons and finally gets his chance to impress at senior level.

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said McNiece boasted a strong defensive and offensive mindset.

“We are really pleased to have finalised our list for the 2017 season, and Ben’s addition provides us with another small defensive option,” Dodoro said.

“Ben has an elite left kick, and he has a super competitive nature which allows him to win a lot of contested possessions.

“He has shown he is capable of shutting down some of the state league’s best small forwards and will continue to play an important role for us this season.”

McNiece had an impressive 2016 season with the VFL, finishing third in the Best and Fairest.

VFL Coach, Paul Corrigan, said McNiece also displays outstanding leadership qualities.

“Ben has excellent leg speed and fantastic kicking skills and provides plenty of rebound,” Corrigan said.

“We have been really impressed with his determination and hard work since he joined us in 2015.

“His leadership has also been outstanding, and was named Vice-Captain to skipper Daniel Coghlan in 2016.”

The finalised Bombers’ playing list for 2017 includes; 40 primary listed players, four rookies and one Category B player at a total of 45 players.

 

[Yoda_]

ABSOLUTELY ******* STOKED FOR THE BLOKE

Wrong again eth-dog

 

[EnolaGay]

Great signing - good luck Ben!

So the College quarterback guy didn't make it?

 

[Mercuri Rising]

Great signing - good luck Ben!

So the College quarterback guy didn't make it?

Guess not. Nor Kerbatieh, Jok...

 

[ezard15]

Anyone have a list of the VFL B and F votes? Know he came third.

 

[EckersDevs]

any1 got a highlights package?

 

[Mercuri Rising]

Anyone have a list of the VFL B and F votes? Know he came third.

1- Aaron HEPPELL (296 votes)

2- Daniel COGHLAN (229)

3- Ben McNIECE (209)

4- Sam HEAVYSIDE (195)

5- Jason ASHBY (187)

6- Shaun EDWARDS (184)

James POLKINGHORNE (184)

7- Mason REDMAN (179)

8- Will HAMS (176)

9- Jake LONG (171)

 

[carnthedons]

Genuine pisstaking of the intent of the cat b rookie system here but whatevs, get around him

 

[freddy mercury]

Mum was born in India, we would do anything to exercise a loophole.

 

[Maddogm]

The finalised Bombers’ playing list for 2017 includes; 40 primary listed players, four rookies and one Category B player at a total of 45 players.

I believe this means we wont be able to promote rookies next year without injuries (retirement maybe?)

 

[ezard15]

1- Aaron HEPPELL (296 votes)

2- Daniel COGHLAN (229)

3- Ben McNIECE (209)

4- Sam HEAVYSIDE (195)

5- Jason ASHBY (187)

6- Shaun EDWARDS (184)

James POLKINGHORNE (184)

7- Mason REDMAN (179)

8- Will HAMS (176)

9- Jake LONG (171)

Heppell must be disappointed not to have been put on the Senior list.

Any thoughts as to his future?

Next year maybe?

 

[BOMBERS 4 LIFE!!!!]

Mum was born in India, we would do anything to exercise a loophole.

 

[Mercurial89]

Well that will be closed pretty quickly you would think.

 

[Zach Package]

Taking a white half back flanker with a multicultural rookie pick is the most essendon thing ever

 

[Towno78]

That's awesome! but wtf!?

 

[Mercuri Rising]

Taking a white half back flanker with a multicultural rookie pick is the most essendon thing ever

not on the list of nominations, no less

full points if Mama McNiece is as anglo as they come and born during a 6-month business trip or something

 

[BrunoV]

It's farcical that this guy can be listed outside of the normal rules, because he is an accomplished footballer, but it's good for the club because he is pretty bloody close to AFL standard.

 

[Towno78]

Should've taken McGrath as an international rookie day before the draft and taken McClug with 1...

 

[Yoda_]

Should've taken McGrath as an international rookie day before the draft and taken McClug with 1...

All these guys were eligible for the ND

 

[Lore]

It's farcical that this guy can be listed outside of the normal rules, because he is an accomplished footballer, but it's good for the club because he is pretty bloody close to AFL standard.

Is it possible for them to change the rules so we couldn't get him, without excluding the kids they're trying to get? When the academies are going properly all kids coming through should be getting footy experience at U18 level at the very least, and possibly back as far as Auskick. Could just be an anomaly that we happen to have benefited from.

If we follow the rules to the letter and get something not exactly intended by them, surely that beats not following the rules and having to make it up on the run as if it was okay (a la Hawthorn's future pick trading)?

 

[Tazdog]

not on the list of nominations, no less

full points if Mama McNiece is as anglo as they come and born during a 6-month business trip or something

that's actually me lmao

 

[7zark7]

This guys footskills are elite. The best kick in the VFL team by a long way.

 

[Yoda_]

This guys footskills are elite. The best kick in the VFL team by a long way.

Really strengthened our small defensive options this off season. McNeice gives us a valuable addition should guys like McKenna, McGrath and even Walla move up the ground.

 

[Doss]

Very pleased with this. Good stuff, Ben!