The offseason: Essendon Bombers

The offseason will be a series of articles analysing each team’s list management, trade and free agency targets, and the biggest recruitment decisions to be made as the end of another season approaches.

First up, the Bombers.

What do they need?
The Bombers desperately need a forward partner to line-up next to Joe Daniher in 2017.

With Cale Hooker as their swingman, and Aaron Francis and Kyle Langford developing nicely as the high, medium forwards, the Bombers lack another key target, as well as another genuine small forward, in their forward half.

Daniher has worked tirelessly in 2016, and his poor goal kicking has often overshadowed just how hard he runs during the game.

With Jack Reiwoldt and Travis Cloke seemingly on the market in the offseason, the Bombers could go after an established 200-gamer. Shane Kersten and Nathan Vardy could also seek more opportunities outside of Geelong, while Tyrone Vickery should also made available by the Tigers.

If they don’t trade for one, they must prioritise drafting a key forward. The Bombers could also add to their developing midfield stocks.

Biggest names out of contract
Jobe Watson (UFA)
Tayte Pears (UFA)
Jayden Laverde
Martin Gleeson
James Kelly and Matthew Dea (top-ups)

Best signing of the year
Any of the ‘banned Bombers’ could be regarded as the biggest signings of the year, but the biggest and best was Michael Hurley. With both Victorian and interstate clubs circling the key defender, Hurley recommitted to the Bombers on a five-year deal.

Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer, Tom Bellchambers, David Myers, Travis Colyer, Brent Stanton, Ben Howlett, Heath Hocking are the other suspended players to have resigned to the club, while stand-in captain Brendon Goddard signed a one year deal last week.

Who won’t be there next year?
Michael Hibberd – the half-back flanker requested a trade from the club in August, seeking a ‘fresh start’.

Courtenay Dempsey – as an unrestricted free agent, the once dashing halfback may not don the sash next season after a lacklustre two years at the club.

Adam Cooney and Matthew Stokes have called it a day, while James Gwilt will most likely have to find another club to continue his career.

The futures of Shaun McKernan, Nick Kommer, Jason Ashby and Shaun Edwards will also be discussed.

Best find of the year
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. The elevated rookie became one of the stories of the year after a breakout debut season for the Bombers. He was the spark in a difficult year, playing 21 games and averaging 15 touches.

Orazio Fantasia. The small forward had a career-best year, playing 19 games (previous best was 5), kicking 29 goals and averaging 15 disposals.

Matthew Dea. The defender came to the club as a top-up, player after a great season, he may have earned himself another chance at an AFL career. A career best 21 games – averaging 17 disposals and six marks.

Biggest decision looming
Pick 1 – After a challenging four years, the Bombers are the proud owners of the most prized possession heading into the off-season.

Clubs will enquire, and the Bombers will take the meetings. But will they trade pick 1 for a key midfielder or forward, or will they go to draft day with the pick of the bunch?

Jobe Watson – Will Jobe go on in 2017 or hang up the boots and seriously pursue his life after football as a barista? The decision isn’t Essendon’s to make, but it’s one the club would love to know before the off-season kicks off.

Throw a lifeline to…
Matthew Dea, James Kelly and Mitch Brown. These top-up players (Brown wasn’t a topup player, but still) were the best of the bunch and all 18 clubs can re-sign them as delisted free agents before November.

Nick Dal Santo – The Bombers could use some more experience and polish down back, and Dal Santo could be a low-risk, inexpensive option to pursure across half-back. Dal Santo said he is keen to play on after being told his services were not needed at Arden Street, and the 32-year-old finished off the home-and-away season in solid form.

Trade bait
Pick 1 – The Bombers hold the keys to the best trade bait of all – the first pick in the national draft. Will they use it to lure an elite midfielder, a key forward, or trade it to strengthen their position in the first round of the draft.

Michael Hibberd – The Demons have firmed as the favourites for the defender, but the Bombers have said they want an earlier pick than the Demons’ pick 27.

Trade targets
Jaeger O’Meara – John Worsfold declared Essendon’s intentions of landing the 22-year old midfielder in October – saying “we would love to have him at Essendon” last week.

Hayden Ballantyne – Western Australian media reported last week the Bombers had fielded a three-year deal to lure the small forward to Tullamarine. The Bombers need another small forward, and Ballantyne could add some spice up forward.

GWS – James Stewart, Will Hoskin-Elliot, Jack Steele and Caleb Marchbank are all out-of-contract for the Giants, and the Bombers should raid some of their fringe talent.

Aaron Black – The forward is all but set to leave North Melbourne, and at 25 years of age, could be a good addition to the Bombers’ forward line. His best output to date was 33 goals from 18 games in 2014.

Surprise move of the off-season?
Essendon to strongly pursue Sydney’s Sam Reid.

Reid can play as forward, back or as a back-up ruckman, and would provide the Bombers with incredible flexibility should he get fit and back to his best.