A growing trend...

[srobbo]

We are picking half back flankers like they are going out of fashion! Is there something about the game that we don't know about? Or are they just looking for players with a strong defencsive background?
Just off the top of my head, Ashby, Gleeson, Baguely, Hunter, Hibberd, Hardingham, Heppell, Davis, Browne and Long have all been drafted as half back flankers. Not to fussed about it really its just really amusing that we are investing in so many similar types.

I dont think its a surprise at all. The ability to launch a quick, decisive, well executed defense with an ability to defend going the other way has been a weakness of Essendon for the last 7-8 years but conversly has been a hallmark of a premiership side.

I like the cut of our jib

 

[Darealrath]

Wouldn't be surprised if the intent was to release Dempsey and Hibberd to more midfield minutes.

Really rate Hibberd in defence but he doesn't look like a midfielder to me (unless in a 5 minute spurt like a Hardwick type did every now and again). Be very surprised if he made it there.

 

[Astro Bomber]

People who play defensive roles and like playing defensive roles are a different animal. If they go through the midfield then they are best suited to a tagging role.

 

[Slattery_20]

Heppell actually played as a midfielder and dominated in the second half of his last TAC season. Was always going to step into the midfield at some stage.

As the OP we have been picking blokes who have an idea of defense and are strong characters who train hard and are willing to learn.

It's almost like a list which has had a penchant for 60+ point losses needs to defend harder/smarter.

If anything...
This draft has said (bar Joe),
'we are pretty happy with our list of ball getting/using/goalkicking talents... but we need to defend a hell of a lot better'

IMHO, when you think about it, this makes some sense, we name our best 8-10 players and they are very very good, it's the bit part & role & backline players where we fall down.