AFL 2022 list analysis: Every Essendon player rated, plus their contract status beyond 2022
What will Essendon’s next coach have to work with when he starts the job of building Essendon’s next finals team? Every player rated plus contract status beyond 2022.
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There was cause for optimism ahead of season 2022 after a finals appearance and genuine belief among Bombers supporters that this group of players under coach Ben Rutten could do something special.
But it turned into anything but with Rutten, CEO Xavier Campbell and president Paul Brasher having all now departed. But how good is Essendon’s list? Jay Clark runs his eye over each player listed in the Bombers’ squad for 2022 and just what the next coach-in-waiting has to use up his sleeve.
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1. ANDREW McGRATH
Age: 24 | Games: 111 | Status: Contracted until end of 2024
Has been a solid player for the Bombers, but he isn’t the generational star some clubs would hope to welcome with the No.1 overall pick. Started the season in the midfield but played well in more of a lockdown defensive role later in the season. Produced one of his best games in the round 14 win over St Kilda when he took a couple of tough contested grabs. Re-signed this year amid some interest from rivals.
2. SAM DRAPER
Age: 23 | Games: 43 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Has been forced to shoulder a huge load in the ruck since he stepped into the lead role as a 22-year-old last season. Draper has brilliant athleticism, an aggressive streak, exciting upside, and his goal of the year nomination when he nailed one on the run from inside 50m was a sign of things to come. It’s been tough for him at times considering he is still learning his craft and yet to physically fill out, but there’s good reason why some think he’s a captain-in-the-making.
3. DARCY PARISH
Age: 25 | Games: 132 | Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Has no trouble racking up big possession numbers but there was debate about how much impact he was having for the sheer weight of his disposals early in the season. Coming off the back of last year’s spectacular career-best season, expectations are always going to be sky-high. But the question for the new coach is how to get more bang for buck from the Bombers’ ballwinners. Parish led the club for clearances, disposals, contested and uncontested possessions as part of another enormous year. But an on-field spat with Dyson Heppell suggested everything is not right.
4. KYLE LANGFORD
Age: 25 | Games: 107 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2026
Missed three months of the season after a serious round 1 hamstring injury kept him out until round 15. The Bombers missed his link-up play and goalscoring power, evident in his third game back, kicking four goals in the upset win over Brisbane Lions. He is someone who hits the scoreboard every time he plays. Langford is an important and versatile forward-midfielder who still has his best footy ahead of him, but this year was a bit of a write-off.
5. DEVON SMITH
Age: 29 | Games: 182 | Status: Retired
Retired with one year remaining on his contract due to his ongoing knee problems. Won the best-and-fairest as part of a phenomenal first season in red and black in 2018 when his natural ballwinning, tackle pressure and nose for goal made him a constant threat. But his goose was cooked this year when he struggled to get on the park and make a contribution forward. From GWS and Geelong Falcons originally.
6. JYE CALDWELL
Age: 21 | Games: 34 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Considering it was first injury-free and full season in the AFL, Caldwell, 21, had a solid season working through the Essendon engine room. He was third at the club for tackles, fourth for contested possessions and fifth for clearances across 20 games. Had his best game of the season against a half-strength Brisbane Lions when he racked up 27 possessions and seven tackles matched up on Lachie Neale, but it was the only game he polled coaches’ votes in. The Bombers can definitely count on him around the contest after landing him from GWS Giants in exchange for two second-round picks. His possession numbers dropped off in the final month of the season but he looks a quality long-term prospect, who added a string to his bow with some time tagging opposition stars. Question for the new Essendon coach is how he gets all the Essendon midfielders to fire.
7. ZACH MERRETT
Age: 26 | Games: 184 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2027
The midfield ball magnet is the Bombers’ best player, but is he their next captain? At his best Merrett is one of the game’s top onballers and he again racked up plenty of the Sherrin this season, despite a tag at times, averaging 30 disposals (second at the club) and 88 clearances (third). But is he one who will benefit from the change in senior coach? Ross Lyon has always been a big fan of the dual All-Australian’s work rate and polish. Should finish top-five in the best-and-fairest.
8. BEN HOBBS
Age: 18 | Games: 17 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Got plenty of exposure forward in his first season, playing 17 games, after slipping to pick 13 in last year’s draft. It is clear Hobbs has a natural nose for the ball and has settled in nicely as a link-up man through the forward half. But is there room for him in the centre square next year? Rolls up his sleeves and has made a strong impression on his teammates in quick time because he is a willing worker who gets in the right spots. Looks set for a long career as a midfielder-forward.
9. DYLAN SHIEL
Age: 29 | Games: 199 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Was a seesawing year for the star midfielder who recovered from a slow start to become one of the game’s top centre clearance-winners in the second half of the season. He was mocked by Sydney Swans’ hard man Luke Parker in the savage loss at the SCG, but it was something of a turning point for Shiel who came home with a wet sail. Shiel’s blistering run and powerful clearance work helps ignite scoring chains out of the centre, even if his kicking draws some criticism at times. In any case, the industry-wide talk that Essendon had made a bad move giving up two first round picks for Shiel quietened down later in the year. Led the Bombers for tackles (4.5 a game) and was second for clearances (6.1).
10. AARON FRANCIS
Age: 25 | Games: 54 | Status: Out of contract
His time at Essendon appears all but over after falling out of favour in 2022. The player who was drafted as a star intercepting defender was shifted into a forward position but was unable to make an impact this year. Hasn’t attracted strong trade interest, meaning Francis faces an uncertain future. The South Australian played 54 games in seven seasons.
11. WILL SNELLING
Age: 25 | Games: 50 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Only played eight games due to a luckless run with injury this year including a calf problem which wiped him out for almost three months. Made his comeback in round 15 but by then Essendon’s finals hopes were over. Had an excellent 2021 season, finishing third in the best-and-fairest. The 175cm workhorse’s tackle pressure was sorely missed in the forward half considering Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Devon Smith were also on the sidelines. Snelling has been a super mid-season draft pick for the Bombers and will hope to get out on the park more often next year.
12. TOM CUTLER
Age: 27 | Games: 96 | Status: Delisted
Never really got going in his three seasons at Tullamarine despite playing 30 games in red and black and 96 for his career. Was trialled on the wing and at half-back and was mostly on the outside. The 192cm utility had a sweet left foot at times and was one of the club’s best in the elimination final loss to Western Bulldogs last year, racking up 21 touches and four tackles. Has a bright future off the field.
13. NIK COX
Age: 20 | Games: 27 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Suffered a dreaded Lisfranc injury in his foot which ended his second AFL season at round 7. The Bombers will take no risks with the brilliant utility who, at 199cm, could be anything based on the exciting signs we saw right throughout his sensational debut season last year. He can run, he can mark and he can use the ball brilliantly for a player of his height. Hopefully he will make a full recovery in time for next season and slot back on to the wing. Saved the Bombers in defence on occasions in 2021 and can provide a mobile target in attack. One of the club’s most exciting prospects, and will look to develop more of a hard edge. Expect coaches to zero in on his competitiveness in pre-season.
14. JORDAN RIDLEY
Age: 23 | Games: 68 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2026
Was part of a backline which was under pressure for the bulk of the year and had only a modest season compared to the highs of 2020 when he took out the best-and-fairest. Averaging 19 disposals a game, Ridley led the team for rebound-50s (5.1 a match) and was one of the team’s most efficient users. His play-on percentage was the second-highest behind Nick Hind, so Ridley was always looking to go quickly to help find the forwards in space. Will aim to bounce back to his best next year.
15. JAYDEN LAVERDE
Age: 26 | Games: 61 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2025
Has become an important player for Essendon, playing 45 games over the past two seasons as an undersized key defender. At 191cm, Laverde has tried hard for the Bombers after struggling to establish a position in the front half over his first six seasons. Laverde has a strong body, selfless with his spoiling efforts and has filled a role with Michael Hurley and Aaron Francis missing. Richmond’s Tom Lynch cut loose on him early in the round 23 clash but the Bombers’ players were totally drained after a nightmarish week dealing with the Ben Rutten-Alastair Clarkson dramas.
16. ARCHIE PERKINS
Age: 20 | Games: 39 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
The ceiling is high for this exciting playmaker who would love more opportunity in the midfield in his third season next year. The man with the wicked sidestep has been used largely forward and did well to boot 16 goals from 18 games, but it wasn’t always easy going in the Essendon attacking set up. The ballwinner will attempt to improve his tank this summer in order to push up the ground more in 2023, when he will become a crucial cog in the red and black rebuild. Kicks goals on the turn with ease and be an excitement machine after racing to 39 games across his first two seasons.
17. JAMES STEWART
Age: 28 | Games: 78 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
A recurring calf injury limited him to six games for the season although he fought back to play in rounds 20 and 21 as a forward. Handy back-up for a key position role at either end after 78 games across 10 seasons.
18. MICHAEL HURLEY
Age: 32 | Games: 194 | Status: Retired
Club favourite finished up at the end of the season and completing a remarkable recovery from a debilitating hip problem. At his best, Hurley was one of the league’s best key defenders who turned down a monster offer from Western Bulldogs at the height of the supplements storm. Was courageous in the air and used the ball well rebounding out of backline. Popular teammate who was mobbed by his mates and the Tigers’ players after kicking a goal in his final game in round 23. Fine career.
19. NICK HIND
Age: 28 | Games: 64 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Has been a valuable pick-up for the Bombers over the past two seasons, playing 43 games, since he was brought in for a fourth-round draft pick. His high-octane run has been a weapon as the rocket-launching half-back. Averaged 20 possessions a game on the back of finishing eighth in the best-and-fairest last year. Was under the spotlight for an awkward interaction with Ben Rutten on the bench which he said was taken out of context.
20. PETER WRIGHT
Age: 25 | Games: 109 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Had a superb season, booting 53 goals in his second year at Essendon to finish fifth in the Coleman Medal. Could take out the best-and-fairest award after topping the Bombers for coaches’ votes with 46 ahead of Darcy Parish, Mason Redman and Zach Merrett. His height and marking power provided the Bombers with a strong focal point in a time of need after losing Joe Daniher at the end of 2020. It was a shrewd move from Essendon, which handed over only a future fourth-round selection for the 202cm spearhead. He averaged two contested marks a game and, aged only 25, still has his best footy ahead of him.
21. DYSON HEPPELL
Age: 30 | Games: 213 | Status: Out of contract (unrestricted free agent)
Was better suited to the wing role in the second half of the season, where his smarts and selfless running helped the Bombers defend that part of the ground. Earlier in the year his spot was up for debate, but it was clear the club needed his leadership and experience on the ground. Still knows how to win the ball, ranking fourth for uncontested possessions and fourth for disposals (average 22 a game). Gold Coast showed some interest but Essendon wants to keep him.
22. SAM DURHAM
Age: 21 | Games: 27 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Mid-season draft pick-up has become a regular in quick time at the Bombers, playing 27 games since he arrived halfway through last season. Played a midfield-forward support role and was important with his toughness, gut-run and pressure.
23. HARRISON JONES
Age: 21 | Games: 26 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Challenging year for the second-year forward who lost his pre-season to his recovery from a foot problem. An ankle injury earlier in the year compounded the problem and he finished the season in the VFL. In between he booted 13 goals from 10 games as a hard-running and mobile 196cm forward target who has shown shades of a young Nick Riewoldt. Will benefit from a full pre-season leading into his third AFL campaign. Looks a tremendous find at pick 30 and a star key forward of the future.
24. NICK BRYAN
Age: 20 Games: 6 Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Developing ruck prospect played five senior games behind Sam Draper amid another promising VFL campaign. Bryan was a shining light in the seconds with his ruck work, continuing his good form after taking out the reserves’ best-and-fairest last year. Stuck behind Draper for the No.1 ruck spot, Bryan is certain to attract rival interest but the Bombers have zero interest in offloading the promising big man this year. Contracted until next year, Bryan may wait to see how things play out before signing on.
25. JAKE STRINGER
Age: 28 | Games: 172 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Looked like one of the best players in the competition last year, after signing a bumper new deal, but Stringer was unable to reproduce the same sparkling form in 2022. His troubles started in the pre-season when he was struck down by a groin injury and he never really got going, playing more of a key forward role at times this year rather than the midfield-forward wrecking ball heroics we saw last year. Polled coaches’ votes in two games and produced a atch winning late burst to get the Bombers over the line against the Swans at the MCG.
26. KAINE BALDWIN
Age: 20 | Games: 4 | Status: Out of contract
Will be eagerly eyeing a big pre-season to help re-establish himself back in the Bombers’ best 22. The 193cm goalkicker played four games early on at the top level but was dropped to the VFL to work on his craft before a calf injury mid-season struck him down. There is significant opportunity for someone like Baldwin to have an impact in a marking target role alongside Harry Jones next year if he is good enough. The Bombers believe in his upside.
27. MASON REDMAN
Age: 26 | Games: 80 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
What a year from the dashing half-back who became a star for the club with his courage in defence and rebound game. Redman shone with his selfless team play and creativity as he racked up an average 21 disposals a game across 20 matches. He polled the third-most coaches’ votes of any Bomber and could take out the best-and-fairest award. Certain to get a massive pay rise on his next deal as rivals circle the 2023 free agent. Expected to stay in red and black after a breakthrough year.
28. ALASTAIR LORD
Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
First-year running defender, who was taken at pick 46 in the draft from Norwood, averaged 10 disposals a game in the VFL. Developing prospect who will look to become a linebreaker in the back half. Needs time.
29. JAKE KELLY
Age: 27 | Games: 131 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Probably didn’t have the impact he would have liked in his first season at Essendon after crossing from Adelaide. The shut-down defender polled only one coaches’ vote for the year and was dropped mid-season for the win against the Brisbane Lions. At Adelaide he was one of the best lockdown defenders in the game on small forwards and he will look to replicate that form under a new coach next season. Essendon’s defensive system needs considerable attention over summer, and Kelly remains a key plank in it.
30. BRANDON ZERK-THATCHER
Age: 24 | Games: 29 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Had his best season at Tullamarine, playing 12 games as an intercepting and key defender. He has won plenty of admirers for his work at VFL level and has shown a lot of promise with his aerial efforts as he continues to strengthen his frame. Had a day out against the Brisbane Lions, racking up 21 possessions. Big year for him in 2023 as he attempts to play out his first full season at the top level.
31. ZACH REID
Age: 20 | Games: 8 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2025
Talented swingman was able to put his back injury behind him this year as he broke through for seven games. The Bombers want to develop in his defence for now but also like his ability to pose a threat forward. Clearly, the club is prepared to be patient after taking him with a top-10 pick as part of the long-term replacement plans for Michael Hurley. Essendon looks forward to playing Archie Perkins, Nik Cox, Harry Jones, Ben Hobbs and Reid all in the same team. Decent spine when it matures.
32. JOSHUA EYRE
Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Out of contract
Has shown some promise as a key defender in the VFL after being swung from forward to the backline mid-season. The Bombers like his athleticism and the way he launches at the footy. Still raw in his development. Next generation academy member.
33. BRAYDEN HAM
Age: 23 | Games: 45 | Status: Out of contract
Supporting midfielder has been used for his run on the wing but he was in and out of the team in 2022 after playing 21 matches in 2021. Exploring other opportunities as his future remains a little unclear in red and black. Has played a role but Essendon may look to others to take his spot going forward. Reliable for his work rate and team ethos although he hasn’t been a big ball winner.
34. ANDREW PHILLIPS
Age: 31 | Games: 62 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Second-string ruckman played an important support role for Sam Draper this year, managing 10 games in his 11th season. Averaged 14 hitouts and six disposals but is expected to come under more pressure from Nick Bryan next year for the second ruck spot. Draper will need help.
35. MATT GUELFI
Age: 25 | Games: 83 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
The versatile Guelfi has been more than useful in the forward half, adding some spice and speed around the ball at ground level. Has shown he can play at both ends of the ground and step up in the defensive pressure stakes. Shows plenty of toughness in tight spaces and can win the contested ball. Handy around goals. Was a regular for Ben Rutten, playing 20 games across the past two seasons.
36. GARRETT McDONAGH
Age: 26 | Games: 0 | Status: Delisted
Delisted after one season at Essendon. Rebounding defender was plucked from suburban footy. Had a penetrating kick.
37. NIC MARTIN
Age: 21 | Games: 21 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Mature-age ballwinner was a revelation since he started turning heads in the practice match games at Tullamarine. Kicked five goals in his debut against Geelong in a hard-running half-forward role. Has a big tank and the smarts to get in the right spots. Added a much-needed weapon in attack after he was picked up for nothing in the supplemental selection period. One of the recruits of the year, playing 21 games for 19 goals. Still very young.
38. CODY BRAND
Age: 20 | Games: 0 | Status: Out of contract
Developing 195cm key defender was a graduate of the Next Generation academy. Taken pick 53 in 2020 national draft. Building up his body strength for the rigours of the AFL.
39. PATRICK VOSS
Age: 19 | Games: 0 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Young key forward prospect has a strong competitive streak which the Bombers like. Could be the best of the VFL prospects. Was under consideration for senior action late in the year for the heart and attack he shows. Mobile forward with some grunt.
40. TEX WANGANEEN
Age: 19 | Games: 5 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2024
Son of club legend Gavin was signed in the pre-season and was remarkably thrust straight into the senior side early. Played five early games, including one as sub, but averaged just three touches as a game as he tried to pick up the pace of the elite level. Has some tricks forward and will continue to build his fitness, as the Bombers need some small forwards to break through.
41. CIAN MCBRIDE
Age: 21 | Games: 0 | Status: Out of contract
Athletic Irishman can play ruck and key position. Worked on his craft in the twos. Category B rookie. Joined the Bombers in 2019.
42. MASSIMO D’AMBROSIO
Age: 19 | Games: 8 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Rebounding defender made an immediate impact after being picked up with pick 3 in the mid-season draft. Has a lethal kick and showed plenty, gathering 23 possessions against Sydney. Takes the game on trying to use his left peg to go through the corridor. Will benefit from a full pre-season in a full-time program after an eye-catching stint with Richmond’s VFL team.
43. ANTHONY MCDONALD-TIPUNGWUTI
Age: 29 | Games: 126 | Status: Retired
Retired this year after struggling with his fitness over the past 12 months. Was a popular goalkicker and fan favourite who shone with his speed, tackle pressure and clutch set shots. Super story of determination and resilience.
45. ALEC WATERMAN
Age: 26 | Games: 22 | Status: Out of contract
Long-kicking left-footer showed he has natural forward craft and courage in his aerial efforts. Enjoyed a day out, kicking four goals in the Anzac Day loss to Essendon, but lost his spot in the team after a quiet game in the round 13 loss to Carlton. Was more than handy in his first season in red and black last year, booting 17 goals across 14 games before nailing another 10 majors in eight matches this season.
47. JYE MENZIE
Age: 19 | Games: 2 | Status: Contracted until the end of 2023
Tasmanian small forward was taken in the mid-season rookie draft to help inject some x-factor into Essendon’s forward set up. While he is still a developing prospect, the Bombers believe he has talent and could blossom into an exciting goalkicker. The Bombers were caught short in the top-line small forward department this year.
49. TOM HIRD
Age: 22 | Games: 0 | Status: Delisted
Son of Essendon legend James Hird was delisted without playing an AFL game. Joined the Bombers at a category B rookie in March 2020. Small midfielder was also a talented soccer player.
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