My pack of teams to just miss the finals is quickly filling up, with the first four previews having teams drifting into the 8th to 13th range. Onto Essendon now who come into the season with the ASADA controversy still lingering.
Last season
Still under immense media scrutiny and with coach James Hird in Europe leaving his wife to handle the PR, Essendon were expected to stumble again due to outside pressures.
The season looked to be cooked as Jobe Watson went down injured but the Bombers once again played exciting football to seal a finals spot.
They held the lead most of the way through their elimination final before the Kangaroos overran them to end the Bombers season. Dyson Heppell was a standout all season marking himself as a future leader and a genuine superstar of the AFL.
The development of Mark Baguley, Pat Ambrose, and Zach Merrett has given Essendon options and the odd headache at selection time.
Next season
James Hird is back at the helm without Bomber Thompson by his side increasing the media circus around the club. The off-season saw the departure of Paddy Ryder but the incoming of Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney, ruckman Jonathon Giles, and veteran defender James Gwilt.
Expect Heppell to receive increased opposition attention this season freeing up Watson, Goddard, and Brent Stanton with the arrival of Adam Cooney meaning we may see Watson resting up forward more often. A lot will ride on the development of Daniher and the form of Carlisle to ensure enough goals are kicked. Write them off at your peril, the Bombers continue to be one of the more exciting teams to watch so I’m slotting them into the finals.
Who to look out for
Nick Kommer returns from injury this season and was a revelation with his forward pressure and excitement. I expect him to start in the VFL but be putting pressure on Paul Chapman and Jason Winderlich mid-way through the season.
On paper the Bombers appear to be lacking genuine pace so Nick Kommer could be the injection (pardon the pun) they need to boost their season. Joe Daniher is one of the most highly rated big-men for years. He had an outstanding final last year and will more than likely be relieved of ruck duties provided Giles and Bellchambers stay injury free.
This could be a 50-goal year for him as he provides a headache for opposition defenders.
Needs a big year
Jake Carlisle was once showing the form line of an All-Australian defender before Essendon realised he could kick a goal and Michael Hurley was a genuine full back.
Settling up forward Carlisle struggled last season placing the raw Daniher as the focal point.
He will slot into the forward line in round 1 but failure to perform will see Ambrose or the resting ruckman place pressure on him. He may not even have the option of reverting to his defensive post with Hurley, Cale Hooker, and Fletcher all settled and Tayte Pears and James Gwilt waiting in the wings.
BEST 22
FB: Fletcher, Hurley, Baguely
HB: Dempsey, Hooker, Hibberd
C: Stanton, Goddard, Heppell
HF: Cooney, Carlisle, Zaharakis
FF: Ambrose, Daniher, Chapman
R: Bellchambers, Watson, Hocking
I: Howlett, Giles, Myers, Z. Merrett
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For all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds the now-traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG, there has been one thing conspicuously lacking over…
Old mate summing it up better than anyone possibly could!
