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- Apr 13, 2007
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- Essendon
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This will be a side that can compete. I’ll try to justify each player’s selection.
Full Back Line – Bit of work to be done.
BP: Tayte Pears – People may say he can be Full back, yes I’m quite sure he could be, and believe he will be capable, but I like to look at Geelong’s style. Taylor/Milburn/Scarlett/Mackie/Harley can all go tall. We will have Ryder and Pears for that, but we certainly need another.
FB: ??? – Need a FB who may rack up close to 4 touches each game, but can actually shut down the good forwards.
BP: Henry Slattery – Much deserving of his spot, cops of a bit of criticism on this board but very harsh, you need someone who can shut down an opposition small forward.
Half Back Line – This is exciting
HB: Courtenay Dempsey – We all know this bloke could be an out and out star. But time is running out for him. He’s been given many chances, and will continue to be given more, but we need you to get out there mate, show the public Essendon has a few stars not too far away.
CHB: Patrick Ryder – An obvious choice, we’ve seen what he can do, and will hopefully flourish for a great career down back.
HB: David Myers – Picture him playing the Luke Hodge type role. Racking left foot, good pace, good size, I think the HBF suits him and can be our play maker, setting up all our attacks forward. Can certainly go into the midfield as well.
Centre Line – Good, but needs a star
Wing: Bachar Houli – On ball option, next 2 years I see being big here. He’s shown what he can do, and with consistency, I see a big role for him in our midfield line for many years to come.
C: ??? – I want Hartlett. Reminds me of Heath Shaw, I’d be happy swapping Myers and Hartlett through the middle/HBF. Whether it’s Hartlett or not, this is where we need a star, and I’d rather try drafting one with pick 5 than trading for one. If we can get Dal Santo for 23 however, I’d certainly be doing that.
Wing: Kyle Reimers – Will be one of our stars of our next premiership tilt. Myers-Reimers-Houli is what keeps my hopes up. This guy has everything, and at only 19, we have ourselves a little gem.
Half Forward line – Good if it stays on the park
HF: Alwyn Davey – May be about 27 here, but he will still be vital. Never has been, and never will be the type that get 20+ per game, but what he does for the side, his forward pressure is essential in the way the game is played today.
CHF: Scott Gumbleton – I think it’s the name on every bombers mind. We gave up Joel Selwood for this kid. And for good reason. Essendon have faith in this young beauty. But like Dempsey, we need to see ya mate. Come on, shut up the talk from opposition supporters “Essendon lose Lloyd and Lucas, they are gone, more years at the bottom.” You can change that mate. You can be the star forward we need. Please get your body right.
HF: Adam McPhee – Will be maybe 29 by this stage, but will play another essential role to our side. He could play that loose man in the backline well, but we have others who could do that. I believe he is most important here on the half forward flank. He is too hard to match up on, and ideas of trading him are ridiculous. Is too strong for any small defender, is too quick for any tall defender. The perfect forward, a great mark and a nice kick, this guy could still be the star we need in the forward line.
Full Forward line – Solid, not star studded, but solid.
FP: Leroy Jetta – We need this bloke. I’m glad he’s come along this year, because I was a bit worried about him before now. What he’s shown this year is that he and Davey could be a formidable combination. He also has that certain knack for knowing where the goals are. To add to that blinding speed, very excited by him.
FF: Jay Neagle – Has been called slow by a few people, but I don’t buy it. From limited games, he has been overly impressive. Whilst not quick, can get away from his man on the lead, brilliant set of hands, surprisingly reasonable when the balls on the deck, and most importantly, keeping up with Essendon tradition, a beautiful shot for goal. Definitely on the bandwagon of one Jay Neagle.
FP: Angus Monfries – I think could be used very well deep forward. Not really quick again, but is a strong mark, and, what all our forwards have and I think is very important, just knows where the goals are, keeps his feet, very important with your forwards. Have been a critic of his in the past, but has clearly proven me wrong in the last few weeks of the season, shown what type of role he can play.
Interchange:
Jason Laycock/Tom Bellchambers – I’m looking forward to this. Laycock has the talent, and by this time I think he will be ready to show it, this is the age of what ruckmen really start to show what they do. A Hille/Laycock combination could finally be one of the best in the competition. If Jason can’t come on though, Tommy will be about 22-23, and as long as he can still back up Hille in the ruck for 40% of the game, compete well, which hopefully he can do by that age, he will be a fine back up.
Mark McVeigh – Playing this guy deep forward is exciting. Will add that extra dimension, and a strong leader around the club. Next captain, he has 5 very impressive years left in him.
Andrew Welsh – Younger than I thought, only 25 now, could be our utility, might play that tagger that every side needs, who can still win the ball and go forward to kick goals himself. An exciting role for him here.
Jason Winderlich – Made the comparison to David Wojinski from Geelong. I think a fair match up, Jas has the speed which every side needs, and can see him winning us a game or 2 a season himself just from breaking the game open from half back/through the middle of the ground. You need players who can take on the opposition, and he’s certainly one of them.
FB: Tayte Pears - ??? - Henry Slattery
HB: Courtenay Dempsey - Patrick Ryder - David Myers
C: Bachar Houli - ??? - Kyle Reimers
HF: Alwyn Davey - Scott Gumbleton - Adam McPhee
FF: Leroy Jetta - Jay Neagle - Angus Monfries
FOLL: David Hille - Jobe Watson – Brent Stanton
INT: Jason Laycock/Tom Bellchambers Mark McVeigh Andrew Welsh Jason Winderlich Sam Lonergan (cannot decide who misses out)
EMER: Jay Nash – Heath Hocking – Tom Hislop – Darcy Daniher
This side will be able to compete for a top 4 spot, perhaps 2012 I would hazard a guess at. But for that to happen, there are a few more things that need to happen, a few of which I know Essendon supporters won’t be happy with me about, and will certainly get a lot of backlash for.
- This side I believe can compare with Geelong’s of today. 3 tall athletic key backs, with continued run off the backline. Bartel and Ablett are Geelong’s 2 general stars, guys like Corey, Selwood are very very good, but Gary and Jimmy are the 2 guns. Our 2 can come from Reimers/Houli/Myers and the ??? in the middle. Up forward, I’m not impressed with Geelong’s forward half, but what it does is it works together and functions well together. I can see this group doing that.
- We can’t allow Lucas to continue and just say we’ll let him go out on his own terms, while he wants to keep playing, we’ll keep playing him. I am not one for playing Neagle/Gumbleton ahead of Lucas is Lucas is going to contribute more, make Gumby and Jay earn their spot, but if they do earn it, and prove they are more of an asset to the side than Lucas, then unfortunately I’d be playing Neagle and Gumbleton ahead of Lucas, and I want to see this happen hopefully close to the end of next year, and 2010 become a permanent thing, which is why I think the club made an excellent decision giving Scotty a 1 year contract.
- Our depth is not impressive here. The traditional Essendon injury list guarantees that this 22 or 20 that have been picked here will not be the team that will play all 22 games that season. And all we have worthy of being on the emergency list are Nash, Hocking, Hislop and Daniher, 3 of which have not been proven of what they can do. Our forward line isn’t overly impressive as it is, and there is no depth there whatsoever. With Gumbleton, Neagle and Davey all injury prone, this is a serious problem. We then have Myers (Stress Fractures), Dempsey (Hamstring), Houli (Groin/possible osteitis pubis), to go along with all our forward injury players, we need to find some solid depth players. We really need the likes of Daniher, Hislop to come along well.
There you have it, a long 2 cents I put in there, and congrats if you read all that. Probably plenty of people agree with things there, plenty who disagree with a lot of it. But whenever it be, 2009, 2012 whatever, I’m bloody looking forward to our next finals campaign. Bring on the 2nd round of the Baby Bombers
Full Back Line – Bit of work to be done.
BP: Tayte Pears – People may say he can be Full back, yes I’m quite sure he could be, and believe he will be capable, but I like to look at Geelong’s style. Taylor/Milburn/Scarlett/Mackie/Harley can all go tall. We will have Ryder and Pears for that, but we certainly need another.
FB: ??? – Need a FB who may rack up close to 4 touches each game, but can actually shut down the good forwards.
BP: Henry Slattery – Much deserving of his spot, cops of a bit of criticism on this board but very harsh, you need someone who can shut down an opposition small forward.
Half Back Line – This is exciting
HB: Courtenay Dempsey – We all know this bloke could be an out and out star. But time is running out for him. He’s been given many chances, and will continue to be given more, but we need you to get out there mate, show the public Essendon has a few stars not too far away.
CHB: Patrick Ryder – An obvious choice, we’ve seen what he can do, and will hopefully flourish for a great career down back.
HB: David Myers – Picture him playing the Luke Hodge type role. Racking left foot, good pace, good size, I think the HBF suits him and can be our play maker, setting up all our attacks forward. Can certainly go into the midfield as well.
Centre Line – Good, but needs a star
Wing: Bachar Houli – On ball option, next 2 years I see being big here. He’s shown what he can do, and with consistency, I see a big role for him in our midfield line for many years to come.
C: ??? – I want Hartlett. Reminds me of Heath Shaw, I’d be happy swapping Myers and Hartlett through the middle/HBF. Whether it’s Hartlett or not, this is where we need a star, and I’d rather try drafting one with pick 5 than trading for one. If we can get Dal Santo for 23 however, I’d certainly be doing that.
Wing: Kyle Reimers – Will be one of our stars of our next premiership tilt. Myers-Reimers-Houli is what keeps my hopes up. This guy has everything, and at only 19, we have ourselves a little gem.
Half Forward line – Good if it stays on the park
HF: Alwyn Davey – May be about 27 here, but he will still be vital. Never has been, and never will be the type that get 20+ per game, but what he does for the side, his forward pressure is essential in the way the game is played today.
CHF: Scott Gumbleton – I think it’s the name on every bombers mind. We gave up Joel Selwood for this kid. And for good reason. Essendon have faith in this young beauty. But like Dempsey, we need to see ya mate. Come on, shut up the talk from opposition supporters “Essendon lose Lloyd and Lucas, they are gone, more years at the bottom.” You can change that mate. You can be the star forward we need. Please get your body right.
HF: Adam McPhee – Will be maybe 29 by this stage, but will play another essential role to our side. He could play that loose man in the backline well, but we have others who could do that. I believe he is most important here on the half forward flank. He is too hard to match up on, and ideas of trading him are ridiculous. Is too strong for any small defender, is too quick for any tall defender. The perfect forward, a great mark and a nice kick, this guy could still be the star we need in the forward line.
Full Forward line – Solid, not star studded, but solid.
FP: Leroy Jetta – We need this bloke. I’m glad he’s come along this year, because I was a bit worried about him before now. What he’s shown this year is that he and Davey could be a formidable combination. He also has that certain knack for knowing where the goals are. To add to that blinding speed, very excited by him.
FF: Jay Neagle – Has been called slow by a few people, but I don’t buy it. From limited games, he has been overly impressive. Whilst not quick, can get away from his man on the lead, brilliant set of hands, surprisingly reasonable when the balls on the deck, and most importantly, keeping up with Essendon tradition, a beautiful shot for goal. Definitely on the bandwagon of one Jay Neagle.
FP: Angus Monfries – I think could be used very well deep forward. Not really quick again, but is a strong mark, and, what all our forwards have and I think is very important, just knows where the goals are, keeps his feet, very important with your forwards. Have been a critic of his in the past, but has clearly proven me wrong in the last few weeks of the season, shown what type of role he can play.
Interchange:
Jason Laycock/Tom Bellchambers – I’m looking forward to this. Laycock has the talent, and by this time I think he will be ready to show it, this is the age of what ruckmen really start to show what they do. A Hille/Laycock combination could finally be one of the best in the competition. If Jason can’t come on though, Tommy will be about 22-23, and as long as he can still back up Hille in the ruck for 40% of the game, compete well, which hopefully he can do by that age, he will be a fine back up.
Mark McVeigh – Playing this guy deep forward is exciting. Will add that extra dimension, and a strong leader around the club. Next captain, he has 5 very impressive years left in him.
Andrew Welsh – Younger than I thought, only 25 now, could be our utility, might play that tagger that every side needs, who can still win the ball and go forward to kick goals himself. An exciting role for him here.
Jason Winderlich – Made the comparison to David Wojinski from Geelong. I think a fair match up, Jas has the speed which every side needs, and can see him winning us a game or 2 a season himself just from breaking the game open from half back/through the middle of the ground. You need players who can take on the opposition, and he’s certainly one of them.
FB: Tayte Pears - ??? - Henry Slattery
HB: Courtenay Dempsey - Patrick Ryder - David Myers
C: Bachar Houli - ??? - Kyle Reimers
HF: Alwyn Davey - Scott Gumbleton - Adam McPhee
FF: Leroy Jetta - Jay Neagle - Angus Monfries
FOLL: David Hille - Jobe Watson – Brent Stanton
INT: Jason Laycock/Tom Bellchambers Mark McVeigh Andrew Welsh Jason Winderlich Sam Lonergan (cannot decide who misses out)
EMER: Jay Nash – Heath Hocking – Tom Hislop – Darcy Daniher
This side will be able to compete for a top 4 spot, perhaps 2012 I would hazard a guess at. But for that to happen, there are a few more things that need to happen, a few of which I know Essendon supporters won’t be happy with me about, and will certainly get a lot of backlash for.
- This side I believe can compare with Geelong’s of today. 3 tall athletic key backs, with continued run off the backline. Bartel and Ablett are Geelong’s 2 general stars, guys like Corey, Selwood are very very good, but Gary and Jimmy are the 2 guns. Our 2 can come from Reimers/Houli/Myers and the ??? in the middle. Up forward, I’m not impressed with Geelong’s forward half, but what it does is it works together and functions well together. I can see this group doing that.
- We can’t allow Lucas to continue and just say we’ll let him go out on his own terms, while he wants to keep playing, we’ll keep playing him. I am not one for playing Neagle/Gumbleton ahead of Lucas is Lucas is going to contribute more, make Gumby and Jay earn their spot, but if they do earn it, and prove they are more of an asset to the side than Lucas, then unfortunately I’d be playing Neagle and Gumbleton ahead of Lucas, and I want to see this happen hopefully close to the end of next year, and 2010 become a permanent thing, which is why I think the club made an excellent decision giving Scotty a 1 year contract.
- Our depth is not impressive here. The traditional Essendon injury list guarantees that this 22 or 20 that have been picked here will not be the team that will play all 22 games that season. And all we have worthy of being on the emergency list are Nash, Hocking, Hislop and Daniher, 3 of which have not been proven of what they can do. Our forward line isn’t overly impressive as it is, and there is no depth there whatsoever. With Gumbleton, Neagle and Davey all injury prone, this is a serious problem. We then have Myers (Stress Fractures), Dempsey (Hamstring), Houli (Groin/possible osteitis pubis), to go along with all our forward injury players, we need to find some solid depth players. We really need the likes of Daniher, Hislop to come along well.
There you have it, a long 2 cents I put in there, and congrats if you read all that. Probably plenty of people agree with things there, plenty who disagree with a lot of it. But whenever it be, 2009, 2012 whatever, I’m bloody looking forward to our next finals campaign. Bring on the 2nd round of the Baby Bombers
) Or some other young gun might come along and push out one of these guys that would have otherwise been serviceable to good.
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