Premiership Tiger Jacob Townsend intent on adding hard edge to Essendon midfield after rookie lifeline

Essendon coach-in-waiting Ben Rutten has put his first stamp on the club’s list with the signing of Jacob Townsend. John Worsfold’s successor identified a midfield bull as a priority, which led to the ex-Tiger’s arrival.

Jacob Townsend was thinking seriously about his tool belt three weeks ago.

After 48 games and pair of flags (AFL and VFL) with Richmond, the hard nut thought his time at the top level was up.

But just as he began to contemplate a full-time carpentry gig, and having a kick in the suburbs, the Bombers called him about an important vacancy.

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“It happened really late, because it was probably only two-and-a-half weeks ago I found out that the Bombers had any interest,” Townsend told the Herald Sun .

“The Giants were half keen, to maybe go back and play there, but to be honest I was putting things in place to try and find a job.

“I only played the one (AFL) game this year and it wasn’t a great game to come in for — the Cats when they were up and going, and we got absolutely smashed (by 67 points).

“So after that game, I was back to the twos and I really thought it could be my last AFL game.”

Jacob Townsend has been thrown a lifeline by Essendon.

Jacob Townsend was a key member of Richmond’s premiership team as a defensive forward.

Ever since former Essendon captain Jobe Watson retired, the Bombers have had a void in their engine room.

But new coach-in-waiting Ben Rutten wanted a raging bull to win the hard ball, and make life a touch easier for gun running midfielders Dylan Shiel, Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell and Andrew McGrath

After all, the Bombers ranked last for contested possession from Round 15 last season.

But for Townsend, 26, the opportunity is perfect.

After playing mostly as a makeshift key forward at Punt Rd, the Leeton product is relishing the idea of rolling the sleeves up back in the centre square in red and black.

“When I caught up with the coaches and (list boss) Adrian (Dodoro) they said they saw me playing as an inside mid – to try and win the footy and help the outside players,” he said.

“I rather that inside midfield role. I like getting in there first and using my physicality to try and win the ball or tackle and turn it over.

Jacob Townsend celebrates a goal in Richmond’s VFL grand final win this year.

“Obviously there are some very good midfielders here at Essendon, but I will back myself to play AFL games.

“I am not here to be a bit of a depth player. I am sort of over that, at the moment.

“I have been doing that for the past five or six years, so I think can play that (senior on-ball) role.”

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He officially joined the Bombers for training on Wednesday after maintaining his own individual training program in the off-season, more out of hope than anything else.

His manager, Winston Rous, kept putting in the good word for Townsend throughout the trade period with the Bombers, knowing he still has plenty to offer.

At Tullamarine, he will hook-up with former Giants’ teammates Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith, Andrew Phillips, James Stewart and former GWS coach, and one of Townsend’s biggest fans, Kevin Sheedy.

But the new Essendon rookie also has plans to catch-up and perhaps break some bread with some of the Bombers’ VFL midfielders who he frequently locked horns with.

“We played them (Essendon VFL) three times in the space of a couple of months this year and I think I got in a couple of fights with a fair few,” he said.

“So I might have to go and have a bit of a chat (laughs), but I will try and earn their respect.

“Sometimes I probably go in a bit too hard and have to pull myself back a bit at training.

“But I don’t think I’ll try and change too much, just go out there and be myself.”

Originally published as Premiership Tiger Jacob Townsend intent on adding hard edge to Essendon midfield after rookie lifeline