Here’s one for you! What’s a more redundant conversation topic? The Logies, the Arias or talks of the Essendon saga of 2013?
Yep! You guessed it, the Logies!
What came a close second? That’s correct! The Arias, Then you know what came third!
It hijacked our conversations and numbed our brains for one straight footy season and continues to do so now.
So to preview the Bombers I am staying the hell away from any drug scandal talk…Further in this column I will be referring to it as DST, for unnecessarily having to bring this topic up.
And there’s every chance the moment I send this through, one minute later the club will be accused of injecting a lethal dose of James Hird’s hair fibres and a horse tranquilliser (has anyone checked Dyson Heppell’s hair?).
This seems far-fetched I know but hey weirder things can happen, like a footy club being placed in western Sydney.
This is purely about on-field action.
Pre-DST the Bombers were building for something big in 2013, great list coming back from injuries, new facility nearly readied in Tullamarine, expectations for finals, then DST took over.
Mark Thompson’s in an unprecedented position by taking this job.
The first season coming from the new training facility will be exciting for Thompson, however no first-round draft picks to work with and DST talk threaten to ruin any of his aspirations.
(It’s not hard to picture him staring at a calendar, waiting for Hird’s arrival)
In reality they still have one of the most ready-made lists in the league and with a chip on their shoulder could do some damage come September.
They were gutsy, in the first half of last year, nearly every game ended like an episode of Breaking Bad, the second half of the season fizzled out a lot like an episode of Lost.
What’s going to change on the field in 2014 from 2013?
The Bomber’s forward line is as exciting as ever.
Stewart Crameri’s absence will make space for the young Joe Daniher, although different players Daniher given time is going to be like a fine wine (if he can kick straight).
Jake Carlisle looks to be Thompson’s most significant coaching change and will spend more time forward. As will Kyle Hardingham be moving forward.
At their feet there are a host of small forward’s, Paul Chapman will prove valuable late in the season and Jason Winderlich has found a home as a small forward.
Jake Melksham and David Myers can spend time forward when they’re not rotating through the middle.
Essendon’s midfield hasn’t changed from last season. They were ranked second in the comp in disposals. Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard, Brent Stanton and Dyson Heppell all averaged mid-20’s in disposals.
Heath Hocking is one of the best taggers going, David Zaharakis (underrated) and Ben Howlett can break lines.
They are beautiful users and guess what? They’re all there.
Paddy Ryders mobility for a ruckmen is in the pointy end of the comp and will benefit from the return of Tom Bellchambers mid-year.
The Bombers have defensive height in numbers, Michael Hurley will start back, Cale Hooker and Tayte Pears have opportunity now that Carlisle has moved forward and Dustin Fletcher is (still!) there.
Michael Hibberd who was in All-Australian talk’s before DST fatigue set in, Courtenay Dempsey and Mark Baguley will hold down opposition smalls.
Look, it’s naïve to think the latest DST saga won’t affect this group but their draw isn’t as bad as it could be.
There isn’t any on-field evidence that the Bombers aren’t going to make the finals barring any off-field drama (that’s all I am judging this on).
They have two exciting key targets up forward. A midfield that kick goals and win there own ball regularly. And a defence that is hold steady.
With a chip on there shoulder who knows, there’s every chance that the Essendon Football Club’s footy may be relevant again.
Then the Bombers supporters can support their club again and not spend there time defending it.
I could’ve put Essendon ninth on my Lad-View and just play the safe card but if I wanted to be boring I’d watch the Logies and Arias every year.
Lad-View prediction: sixth
Individual Predictions
Best and Fairest: Brent Stanton
Goal Kicking Award: Jason Winderlich
In The Hot Seat For 2014: The Whole squad if DST takes over
Player You Need to Watch: Is it too obvious saying Joe Daniher?
Things Most Looking Forward to Seeing in 2014: ANZAC clash versus Collingwood
Novelty Blog Award: Calling the Logies rubbish!
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