West Adelaide export Will Snelling hoping to cement himself in Essendon’s AFL side in 2020
After joining Essendon through the 2019 mid-season draft, former West Adelaide young gun Will Snelling has his sights set on securing a regular spot in the Bombers’ AFL team next year.
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Will Snelling is hoping to establish himself in Essendon’s best 22 after a whirlwind 2019 season.
The 22-year-old was plucked from West Adelaide with the Bombers’ No. 7 pick in the mid-season draft after spending three years on Port Adelaide’s list.
He debuted for the Bombers against Adelaide in Round 18 and played four games, including Essendon’s Elimination Final loss to the West Coast Eagles.
“It’s been a crazy year,’’ Snelling said on SEN SA Breakfast.
“No-one could have predicted what happened.”
The young on-baller said his time at Port Adelaide made the move to Melbourne mid-year a little smoother.
“Having some experience in the system made it easier to settle in right away,’’ Snelling added.
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He said the main difference between SANFL and VFL was the speed of the game, which helped him prepare for his return to AFL football.
“I found playing more of an outside role in the VFL, the SANFL clubs really load up on inside mids,’’ Snelling said.
“It’s more of an outside game, a bit quicker, which I really enjoyed. That’s what I need.”
Snelling said having experience in both second tier competitions was invaluable.
“It’s really good to have a mix of the two competitions, VFL probably prepares you a little better for the AFL,’’ he said.
And he said he would be trying to add an extra string to his midfield bow heading into 2020.
”I got thrust into that (midfield) role,’’ Snelling said.
“(I’ll be) having a little bit more focus pre-season about learning some forward craft.
“We start back on Monday and I’ll sit down with the coaches and work out a plan on what I want to focus on.”
BT went to meet Will Snelling's cheer squad 😂🙌#RoamingBrian | #AFLCrowsDons pic.twitter.com/9CeKo7pXS1
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 19, 2019
Snelling said he also expected former West Adelaide teammate and Collingwood mid-season recruit John Noble would re-sign with the Magpies.
“From what I’ve heard he’s all committed, it’s a matter of (signing on) the dotted line,’’ he said.
Noble made his debut in Round 17 before injuring his calf.
He returned to AFL in Round 22 and played the final four games of the season, including the qualifying final win over Geelong and the preliminary final loss to Greater Western Sydney.