The Essendon Bombers finished eighth on the ladder in 2021. They lost six of their opening eight games of the season, but four of those losses were by 16 points or less, with the balance coming by 54 and 57 points respectively.
But their form turned around from there. They won nine of their final 14 matches to make finals, a remarkable achievement.
The Bombers had seven debutants in 2021, which was the fourth most of any team in the AFL this year. Resultantly they had only three players feature in all 23 games: Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Jayden Laverde.
To be eligible for selection on this list each player has to have played at least five games this year. Here are the most valuable five, including an honourable mention.
Honourable mention: Dyson Heppell
Heppell relished being captain of the Bombers and his new role of playing on a halfback flank as well. He had 21 disposals or more in all 19 games he featured in. He averaged the second most intercepts of any Bombers player, with an average of 6.42 per game. When he did get possession of the ball he utilised it well, with an average disposal efficiency of 80.84 per cent per game.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
5. Jordan Ridley
Ridley had an outstanding and consistent season in 2021, missing only one game through injury. He averaged the third most contested marks of any Bombers player and the most intercepts of any player in his team. He finished the season with the highest disposals efficiency percentage of any player, with an average of 88.15 per cent.
4. Nick Hind
Hind was arguably the best recruit of 2021. The former Saint was a consistent performer, gaining the third most metres of any Bomber and with an average of 426.05 disposals per game. Despite playing on a halfback flank, he averaged the fourth most inside 50s of any of the Bombers players, with an average of 3.27 per game. In the one game he missed, the Bombers were well beaten by the Bulldogs.
3. Zach Merrett
Merrett had a good season, selected on the wing in the AFL All Australian final team. He was good at accumulating possessions, averaging the sixth most disposals of any player in the competition, with an average of 31.52 per game. He also worked hard defensively, and he averaged the second-most tackles of any Bombers player per game. He was durable too, playing all 23 matches.
2. Jake Stringer
Stringer featured in 19 of 23 games in 2021 and was rewarded for his consistent season by being selected in the AFL All Australian squad of 40. He was Essendon’s leading goalkicker, with 41 goals for the season, which was seven more than any other player in the team.
1. Darcy Parish
Parish was a revelation for the Bombers, featuring in all 23 games. He may have been named on the interchange bench of the AFL All Australian team, but he had a breakout season all the seam. He finished equal fifth overall in the Brownlow count, which underlined his impressive performance this year. He averaged the fifth-most score involvements of any player in the competition, with an average of 7.61 per game. He also showed that he could win the ball in the contest, with the most contested possessions of any Bombers player, showing that he isn’t just one-dimensional.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
I'm thinking a player trade, although rare, would involve Will Brodie from the Suns. He's Victorian, probably offers something quite different to the smaller Bomber mids, but is a one dimensional inside bull with limited versatility. The Suns have Hugh Greenwood and Brayden Fiorini ahead of Brodie, but those guys have more versatility. Plus, Sam Flanders, Alex Davies and Elijah Hollands are coming through. Brodie for Shiel probably offsets given the age difference and contract size. Suns could certainly use Shiel's speed and find a spot for him and he's got a 3 year contract. Another player who the Bombers might be interested in is Darcy Macpherson, who isn't going to cost a lot but is a terrific small forward who can spend time in the middle. The Sam Day idea wouldn't be a bad one if the Suns hadn't already moved on Peter Wright. I think there will be some surprises this trade period because of the lockdown and the way it is making players either homesick or wanting a change of environment.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
I am a big fan of Kyle Langford and Andrew McGrath so that means that Shiel is down the pecking order as far as midfield game time is concerned. I think that the Suns would be the perfect fit for Shiel, as he is adaptable; he can play in the midfield or on the wing and spend some time on a half forward flank and he could be used in a leadership capacity. Perhaps someone of the calibre of Sam Day would be a suitable deal as the Bombers could use a centre half forward and he would be a good fit to fill that void. Be interested in your views as a Suns supporter.
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
I think you are spot on. These were crucial for the Bombers. What do you think will happen with Dylan Shiel? Is he a Bomber in 2022? Could he be trade bait and how much could the Bombers be on the hook to pay?