player expectations

[kelvin_sheedy]

Jobe Watson :

Will become one of the premier midfielders in the comp and be the new clearance king.

Will also start kicking a few goals and will be a nightmare to match up on when he rests up in the forward line.

 

[DaSawx]

Its Dyson's 4th, pretty much cement a spot or ship out for him

 

[Boris_Bewick]

Its Dyson's 4th, pretty much cement a spot or ship out for him

It's Winderlich's 5th season, which he is also guaranteed a 6th. Although Winderlich was starting to show some signs of cementing a spot this year before the broken leg, in my opinion Dyson so far, has shown much more ability on the field than Winderlich. His last half of the '05 season was very solid, and his performances week after week, were improving enough for him to become a permanent member of the side for '06.

Unfortunately during that pre-season he got bashed, and had his face mangled. Who knows what that could have done to his confidence. It did look to hamper is development early in the '06 season.

Even so, he put in some top performances late this year. His 26 disposal game against St. Kilda for one. He was a huge factor in our win against Brisbane, with 23 touches, kicking two goals, including the sealer in a great one-two effort from outside 50.

Has he earnt it?

From what I can tell yes. When he is on the field he can do some very exciting things. I'm not in a position to comment on his attitude, do you know something we don't Longy? does he not work hard enough? I know Winderlich has been given praise for his change in attitude over the year, but on form, and what I've seen on the field. I would rather Dyson ahead of him at this stage. Please don't think this is a Winderlich bashing, i rate him, but to say it is make-or-break for Dyson in his 4th season, when he has shown similar, if not better signs than Winderlich, who's coming into his 5th, is a bit unfair on Dyson's behalf.

From what I've said, it may sound like I think he is the best player in our side. I don't, but I feel the overall consensus on the board is that he has shown little to impress, and will struggle to even get a chance next season. Which I think is a bit harsh. He does need to improve on his '06 season, no doubt, and he does need to pretty much cement his spot in the side by season's end. But he has shown plenty to suggest he can do that, and with more game time, we could see him become a regular contributor to our side.

 

[DaSawx]

Dyson can do some good things, but they are very far between. Winderlich has shwon he can stay in a game consistenly and be a big contributor, he is definately ahead of Dyson. Dyson still needs consistency and accountablilty, Winderlich just needs a little more consistency

 

[drew_j]

Watson:
In and under player. Aim to be a sorely missed replacement to Joe Misiti. would expect 22 games baring injury. I can't get final siren up but I think he aved around 20 disposals last season. Also good tackle per game. Would be stoked if he improved in these areas but be happy if they stayed the same and he improved his disposal quality. Would be nice to see him kick more goals but this is not the most important feature of his game. Would except Monfries and Stanton to improve in this area more. The reason I say this is because I'd hope these boys would feed of Watsons first touch football in later years around the middle, hence being more likely to be open for a shot on goal from a clearance. Monfries would also be a handy in and under player but that is a conversation for another time.

 

[Boris_Bewick]

To me, Winderlich has shown that in a few games at the start of the year, but so has Dyson, towards the end of it. Agree with you about Dyson's accountablity. But I'm not sure how Winderlich is definitely ahead of Dyson when Dyson has played more games, averaged more disposals, and kicked more goals.

 

[DaSawx]

Winderlich was pushing for regular selection before his injury, he was using it well, getting it often and playing consistently for a whole game for a few games in a row, Dyson hasn't been close to that

 

[Boris_Bewick]

He was, I agree, from around round 7-10, especially against Port and the Crows. Unfortunately for him and Essendon he got injured, and it didn't eventuate.

How hasn't Dyson been close to that? What about his Saints game? the Brisbane game? Both better games than Winderlich has ever played at this point. Towards the last half he was putting through consistent games, getting it a fair bit. His disposal could be better at times, but we know he is capable of it. He can be a beautiful kick.

If things were different and Winderlich didn't get injured, there is every chance he could have continued to become an regular by 06' end. But it didn't happen, so I fail to see how he is ahead of Dyson at the moment

 

[Crave]

He was, I agree, from around round 7-10, especially against Port and the Crows. Unfortunately for him and Essendon he got injured, and it didn't eventuate.

How hasn't Dyson been close to that? What about his Saints game? the Brisbane game? Both better games than Winderlich has ever played at this point. Towards the last half he was putting through consistent games, getting it a fair bit. His disposal could be better at times, but we know he is capable of it. He can be a beautiful kick.

If things were different and Winderlich didn't get injured, there is every chance he could have continued to become an regular by 06' end. But it didn't happen, so I fail to see how he is ahead of Dyson at the moment

Their position in the pecking order is almost identical, and I think we can all identify with the fact that physically..Winders appears stronger and more capable of handling the rigours of senior football. Personally, I think this is where he edges out Dyson, as on ability, theyre pretty much on par.

 

[Crave]

Jobe Watson.

I expect jobe to be again be in the middle with his brillient clearence ability and positions. He will get alot more attention this year but hopefully with stanton in there and hopefully JJ having one of his better seasons they too will also get attention. I hope he doesn't sort of get second year blues so to speak in that last season was a break through type year where he played consistant senior footy. On the way to being one the league's top midfielders sort of in the mould of a scott west. Top 5 b&f again would be a great effort.

Tomorrow James Hird.

Watson is quite simply 'a son of a gun' It doesnt concern me if he isnt the best shot at goal, I'd like to think his main purpose is to be the engine room, the general...much like Misiti was. He has a fantastic pedigree and equally impressive role models in Hird, Lloyd and Sheedy to learn from.
Potential captain of the club in the future.

 

[Not a Wellman]

Dyson and winder both have pace, skill and a need to proove themselves. But Dyson will be better and is better at the moment, give him a full game and there is no doubt in my mind he could rip a game apart better then winders could. This is not saying winders isn't capable it's sayen Dyson could do it better. I rate both and am hoping they both play 20 games each this year.

Watson, what a year he had, if he betters that then Essendon will have a great year in the midfield and he will be hard to stop. It's lot harder to tag an in and under player then an outside type player, he will create headaches for many oppisition coaches.

 

[keepzitreal]

Ok, im gonna play catch up


MJ - Think his still got a lot to give. Whilst stints up forward and through the midfield are likely to happen, Id like to see him as a permanent defender, playing on a small forward. His attack at the contest and run is invaluable. Isnt this where he played in 00?

Dyson - See the points people make but i think he will make it. He has a certain class about him. His got great skills, can break the lines and the defensive side of his game is underrated. His my pick for most improved player.

Watson - I think he will only get better. U seem to forget how tall the bloke is. Id like to see him taking a few more marks, presenting up forward and dropping back and helping out. Will have more support in the midfield this year too.

 

[danzan22]

i think watson has a good chance of winning the b&f next year, i think that he will continue to improve. this year he finally got his head right and was determined to stay at the efc, he spent alot of time at the gym and managed to slim down, i think he will continue this this pre season. he is our clearance specialist and he has future star written all over him.

 

[angus6]

James Hird

There is nothing that i can write about the great man. Him staying around for another year was the biggest joy for all essendon fans last season and it will be great to see him do it all again one last time. I hope sheedy leaves him in the forward half and doesn't use him everywhere else. Just patches of brillience with the odd freakish goal i just hope he stays injury free and gets another crack at finals footy. If anyone deserves it it's Jim.

Tomorrow Angus Monfries.

 

[Boris_Bewick]

No expectations, we know what he is capable of. It's more hope he can stay on the field for at least 15-16 games.

 

[DaSawx]

Wouldn't mind if we gave him a rest or two next year ala Buckley. As soon as Collingwood did it and everyone started suggesting Hird should do it too he did his hammy

 

[Longy413]

From what I can tell yes. When he is on the field he can do some very exciting things. I'm not in a position to comment on his attitude, do you know something we don't Longy? does he not work hard enough?

I'm talking on the field.
Winderlich dominates VFL football, he earns his spot in the senior side. Ricky is still inconsistent at that level.

At AFL level, there is a big difference between Dyson and Winderlich. Dyson doesn't work hard enough both ways. Winderlich does. Dyson can almost be a liability when we don't have the ball. He's not the only one, Stanton, Watson can be the same. Stanton and Watson do enough damage going our way though to compensate.

 

[Crave]

James Hird, the onus is on the club to manage his body and mind correctly to sustain his influence on our matches. Who knows, it may even cause him to rethink his final season and push on further if he thinks he endure another season with the workload taken off him by the emergence of our younger briagde. Never say never.

 

[danzan22]

hird

i expect hird, enough said.

 

[angus6]

Angus Monfries

My personel favourite i think this will be the big break through year for him. I expect him to be the most improved player on our list and spend alot more time in the midfield. Expecting a huge year similar to Jobe this season. Future captain after lloyd imo.

Tomorrow Jason Winderlich.

 

[danzan22]

i would like monfries to take the next step and be put in the midfield, i would like him to bulk up a bit over the pre season. work on his decision making a bit, but i know that will come with experience. i think he could finish top 5 in the b&f next year but expect him to fin top 10.

 

[Crave]

Monfries should definitely be earmarked in the same mould as Mercuri. Has the capacity to run, kick goals and applies himself honestly at every contest, let alone has shown that he presents himself magnificently.

 

[gussy6isagun]

last year monfries had some excellent games and is going to have a break through year hopefully.

 

[Not a Wellman]

You don't need to teach champions and that's what The Gus will be, just let him play like Hirdy. Put him in the middle and also play him on the forward flank. Captain in the making. I expect him to play every game next year and to tear open 3 or 4.

 

[angus6]

Jason Winderlich

Jason was playing well up until he got injured and was cementing his spot in the team. This year he must do that and make the wing his. Use his speed and foot skills. I just hope he bulks up a little more because to me he is a little small still. Should be ready to play 22 games.

Tomorrow Adam Ramanauskas.