Newly-appointed Essendon president Paul Brasher says he’d be ‘surprised’ if Zach Merrett left Bombers
There has been talks of mass exodus at Essendon during the off-season, including the possible departure of star midfielder Zach Merrett. The Bombers’ new president, Paul Brasher, has spoken out to clear the air.
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Incoming Essendon president Paul Brasher has backed Bombers’ list boss Adrian Dodoro and says he would be “be surprised” if two-time best-and-fairest Zach Merrett departed the club.
Brasher believed Essendon had “nucleus of a very good side” and there was “a real hurt amongst the players” after they had failed to fire this season.
Dodoro, who has headed Essendon’s recruiting department since 1998, has come under fire from some fans but Brasher said he believed the club’s general manager of list and recruiting had done a good job during trying circumstances in recent years.
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Essendon was stripped of its first and second-round draft picks in 2013 and 2014 as part of the club’s supplements saga punishment.
“People always look at recruiting when the team’s not doing well and they look at the list,” Brasher said.
“If you go back and look at what’s happened in recent years, Adrian had an absolute maniacal around him because we effectively lost two years of draft picks.
“So, there’s a bubble that’s not flowing through the system because we missed them.
“He’s had some outstanding picks. You look at the young players on the list and we’d take people like (Jordan) Ridley, (Sam) Draper.
“Draper was an absolutely Hail Mary pass for a guy who hadn’t played football before. (Andy) McGrath, (Kyle) Langford, (Darcy) Parish – I would put them up against the best talent at other clubs in the competition.
“I think the players that are there are the nucleus of a very good side.”
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OUR ANALYSIS OF EVERY ESSENDON PLAYER IN 2020
Brasher hoped the Bombers could hold on to out-of-contract pair Joe Daniher and Adam Saad.
“We have two players who are conspicuously considering their futures and obviously both of those we want to stay at the club provided they want to play there,” he said on SEN radio.
However, Brasher added he did not believe there would be a mass exodus during the trade period and had followed up on speculation star midfielder Zach Merrett was considering a move.
“You just don’t ignore those sorts of things,” Brasher said.
“But you don’t always expect that they’re going to be literal truth and often you do make the phone call and discover that it’s either misrepresented or exaggerated.
“We certainly do not just brush these things off as, ‘It could never happen’. But I’d be surprised if Zach was going anywhere.”
TOO SOFT? NEW PRESIDENT QUESTIONS DONS
Newly-appointed Essendon president Paul Brasher has labelled this season a “perfect storm” and questioned whether the club had gone “too soft” on players in the wake of the supplements saga.
In a rousing video message to members, Brasher declared the club is embarking on “a new chapter” that was determined to leave the disappointment of the 2020 season behind.
And re-signing Joe Daniher and Adam Saad is a key priority.
Brasher, citing Winston Churchill, said there would be “no limit on the amount of toil and sweat” that he would put into the club, but wondered whether the effect of the supplements saga had continued to be felt.
“I think there are some things – some of them subconscious – that have continued to influence us as a result of the supplements saga,” he said.
“First of all, as we all know, the players suffered enormously through absolutely no fault of their own. Is it possible that in the years that followed when they came back, that we’ve perhaps felt guilty about what happened to them, and as a result went a little bit soft in pushing them for the best possible performance? Don’t know.
“At the same time, rightly or wrongly, we were seen as a bit of an outcast in the AFL community. Is it possible that that caused us to feel as though we didn’t have the right to have a loud voice within that community, and that therefore we were perhaps a bit passive in what we said externally?
“I don’t know the answer to either of those two questions.”
But he said he would guarantee that “if either of one of those was correct, has been correct, we will not allow it to be correct going forward”.
“We will be as demanding on our players as every club needs to be, and we will certainly not be frightened to come out with a loud voice to protect the interests of the Essendon Football Club,” he said.
Star players Daniher and Saad are both taking time to consider their futures and Brasher described the pair as “terrific people, leaders, and very important to us as a football club”.
“They’ve been good for us, and we’ve been good to them over the journey,” he said.
“You’re all aware we’re talking to both of them about their futures at the club and attempting to demonstrate to them why that future should be with the Essendon football club. I think it’s absolutely imperative that each should get away from the unnatural environment of the hubs and be able to reflect on this and come to a decision that they are committed to.
“We will be doing everything possible to demonstrate why that decision should be to stay and be a part of a very successful Essendon football team.”
Brasher also declared that:
HE and the club will “do every single thing in our power to make 2021 a much better and more enjoyable year for all of you”.
OUTGOING president Lindsay Tanner and coach John Worsfold deserved the club’s thanks for efforts that “saw us surviving at a club at a time where that survival was by no means assured” and “calmness that’s allowed us to get to where we are now and get us through the problems that we had”.
THE 2020 season had been “a perfect storm”, which included playing top eight teams in five of the last six game “with as many as 12 of your best players missing”.
“We are not interested in having a game style and a playing list that allows us to limp into the finals and then go out in the first week,” Brasher said.
“We want players who are committed to continuing to get better. We want players who will play with passion and who will play for each other and the club every week. And we want players who will be predictable and consistent from quarter to quarter and from week to week. Those traits will be non-negotiable.”
1. ANDREW McGRATH
Age: 22 Games: 78 Status: Out of contract
The young midfielder stepped up another notch in 2020 before the cruel blow of a season-ending ankle injury in Round 15. He averaged more than 22 disposals per game – his best since joining the club at the end of 2016 – and is close to recommitting to an extension. “People feel like he’s really jumped up as a mid, but he’s followed a strong progression and we think we’ve set him up to play this role for a long period for the footy club,” Worsfold told 3AW in July.
2. TOM BELLCHAMBERS
Age: 31 Games: 136 Status: retired
The loyal servant has been a bit battered this season, with pre-season knee surgery and hyper-extending his knee and suffering bone bruising last month. Was at times moved forward as Sam Draper took more ruck duties, but announced his retirement before the final game of the season. “I’ve been lucky to live out my childhood dream and in doing so have created some amazing memories and friendships along the way that I will cherish forever,” he said. “Physically, my body is telling me my time is up and I go out knowing that I couldn’t have given any more to this great club.”
3. DARCY PARISH
Age: 23 Games: 93 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
After starting the season at half-forward, it prompted the question – why not the midfield? He went on in and hasn’t looked back. Has proven potent alongside the likes of Zach Merrett and McGrath, and with Dyson Heppell back from injury should only develop further. It’s about becoming dangerous. “I’m really keen to see him continue to blossom as a player who can impact the game whether he’s just on ball or around the footy as a forward who’s coming up playing pretty high, or as a forward impacting with speed and clean ball-handling and getting shots at goal,” Worsfold said in July.
4. KYLE LANGFORD
Age: 23 Games: 81 Status: Out of contract
Worked into form in the latter part of the season serving as the swooper at stoppages, and also contributed strongly in front of goal. Is reportedly close to a new deal. “I’ve really enjoyed becoming a midfielder and finding a new part of my game and adding another string to my bow,” Langford said at the start of the season. “I’m developing and I’m really confident that this year I can play my best football to date.”
5. DEVON SMITH
Age: 27 Games: 154 Status: Contracted to end of 2021
His pressure is his trademark and that’s been a feature of his 2020 season. Made a shift to halfback late in the season and reaped the rewards, with a season-high 27 touches against Richmond in Round 13. After just seven games in 2020, has found consistency. “I’m just very grateful I’m going to be back playing the game I love and I’ve also come out of it a more rounded person,” he said earlier this season.
6. JOE DANIHER
Age: 26 Games: 108 Status: out of contract
To say all eyes have been on one Bomber in 2020 would be an understatement. After coach John Worsfold joked that Daniher was racing the coronavirus vaccine to return, the forward’s long-awaited comeback happened in Round 14. And that grin was back, with post-game comments indicating he wanted to remain a Bomber. Or does he? Still plenty to play out here with Geelong now reportedly asking the question. “Ultimately Joe is in the model that shows us becoming a great team,” Worsfold said in August. “For the future I’m excited what Joe is going to bring throughout the rest of his career at Essendon.”
7. ZACH MERRETT
Age: 24 Games: 142 Status: Contracted to end of 2021
After four years in the leadership group, Merrett was overlooked in voting at the start of the season. But it didn’t stop him in the midfield – where he was allowed more outside run this season – where he has averaged more than 26 touches per game. Next season will be the final year of the five-year contract he signed in 2016. But Collingwood great Mick McGuane reckons a trip to Royal Parade should be considered. “(Patrick) Cripps needs help and Carlton needs more midfield depth,” he wrote last week. “Merrett can provide both. Surely the offer of a four or five-year deal on good money might at least pique his interest.”
8. MARTIN GLEESON
Age: Games: 91 Status: Out of contract
Worked his way back into the team after being overlooked in the early part of the year after off-season ankle surgery. Is one of a swag of unrestricted free agents that the club will endeavour to lock away in coming weeks. “I’ve still got a long way to go and want to get back to playing some really good footy, so hopefully take that into this year and the future,” he said earlier this season.
9. DYLAN SHIEL
Age: 27 Games: 172 Status: Contracted to end of 2024
Came in with a bang ahead of last season and again headed up the engine room in the midfield alongside Merrett and McGrath. His first season at Essendon in the leadership group, and brought the burst. Was accused of “rushing the ball onto his boot too quickly” by former Dog and Tiger Nathan Brown earlier this month, but has been one of the Bombers’ strongest contributors this year, and contributes in front of goal. “It was highly stressful and emotional to leave a place I called home for eight years, but it was super exciting to return to the city I grew up and go to a club I could see myself at for the rest of my career,” Shiel wrote in the Herald Sun in June. “I’m thoroughly happy with my decision.”
10. AARON FRANCIS
Age: 23 Games: 35 Status: Contracted to end of 2022
Had no luck, again. Managed just eight games this season as he battled injuries, including his latest hamstring trouble in the back-end of the season. Has taken time, but has shown promising signs at halfback. “We’re really pleased with the way those young players like Guelfi, Redman, Ridley and Francis are coming along, and Zerk-Thatcher in his fourth or fifth game,” Worsfold said earlier this year. “It’s exciting for what we’re seeing within that group.”
11. DAVID ZAHARAKIS
Age: 30 Games: 217 Status: Contracted to end of 2021
The Bombers’ Mr Reliable. But they won’t be able to rely on him forever. The veteran wound back the clock at times to provide his matchwinning best before suffering a season-ending blow in Round 12, injuring his quad while kicking for goal and sidelining him for the remainder of the year. “He’s been playing a role that’s a little bit new for him and for some of the way we play it’s a little bit of a new role as well,” Worsfold said in July. “We’re just trying to put all that together … keep believing in it, and getting better at it.”
12. TOM CUTLER
Age: 25 Games: 73 Contracted: Contracted to end of 2021
Was brought in at the end of 2019 in an effort to fill the void of hard-running athletes who club great Tim Watson hoped pre-season could be “playing a similar role to Brad Hill”, but unfortunately the former Lion has managed just seven games in the rollercoaster season of 2020. Struggled to find consistency as he battled injuries and setbacks and fought to keep his spot. “I retain that confidence and belief that I can contribute at a high level and I have weapons on the field that other players might not have,” he said when he joined the club. “I’m pretty confident about it, I’m confident about the fit and the feel. I’m happy to be here.”
13. ORAZIO FANTASIA
Age: 25 Games: 80 Status: Contracted to end of 2021
If all eyes are on Joe Daniher this trade period, the Bombers would want to hope that someone is keeping one on small forward Orazio Fantasia. He has again been linked with a move away from Tullamarine, potentially back to his home state of South Australia, after more injury woes this year. “We don’t just look at it and say, ‘We hope Joey’s still here and we hope Orazio’s still at the club’,” Worsfold said in February. “We look at it as though, if they are [staying], great, but if they’re not – what do we need to do? “If one of them leaves at the end of one year, what have we got in place? Who’s available, what have we explored, have we had discussions? Basically, we just do a job – and players understand that.”
14. JORDAN RIDLEY
Age: 21 Games: 26 Status: out of contract
Has been a revelation for the Bombers this year, and is now a best and fairest winner. Has played every game this year in defence and his improvement has not gone unnoticed with coach John Worsfold labelling it “outstanding”, with the club keen to ensure he is re-signed and quickly, with the defender on the verge of a four-year deal. “This is a season in which Jordan announced himself as a key part of the club’s future and he should be incredibly proud of his commitment, drive and output this year,” Worsfold said.
15. JAYDEN LAVERDE
Age: 24 Games: 46 Status: out of contract
Has battled injuries this year to play just five games as uncertainty surrounds his future. But his numbers didn’t lie – when he was able to get on the park, he was rated one of the club’s improvers by Champion Data. But syndesmosis cost his season, and after being open to being traded last off-season, could explore his options again. But his consistency worried former Melbourne skipper Garry Lyon this year. “I’m not sure they can do (damage) – Laverde had a couple of moments (against the Western Bulldogs) and kicked a couple of goals but he’s yet to prove he can be a week in, week out second or third tall forward of finals-influencing quality.”
16. JOSH BEGLEY
Age: 22 Games: 17 Status: Delisted
Not a year to remember for “Fridge”. Spent the season in the Queensland hub but managed just one game, in Round 12 against St Kilda and the young forward is out of contract in coming weeks. Was farewelled by the club on Sunday.
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17. JAMES STEWART
Age: 26 Games: 55 Status: Out of contract
Broke a 790-day drought at AFL level to return in 2020 and played his role and is set to be rewarded with a new deal of as many as three years, his manager Peter Jess revealed on the weekend. Worked well with Joe Daniher and Shaun McKernan after unfortunately being sidelined amid the Conor McKenna COVID drama mid-season. “I feel like I’ve been building … I had missed a lot of footy … (I’ve had) a couple of games back and I feel like I’m building and I want to keep getting better,” Stewart said earlier this year.
18. MICHAEL HURLEY
Age: 30 Games: 192 Status: Contracted until end of 2022
The key defender might be in the twilight of his playing career but at his best, he is absolutely still a pillar of the team’s best 22. He has battled soreness and issues to play 13 games this year, with two years still remaining on what was a monster deal after the supplements saga. It has been suggested by some that there is some unhappiness on Hurley’s behalf, so could be a bit to play out here.
19. KOBE MUTCH
Age: 22 Games: 5 Status: Delisted
Managed just one game in the final year of his contract before he was let go on Sunday. Despite hopes it could have been a breakout year, Mutch’s luckless run with injury continued. “It has been a bit of a bumpy road,” he said before the season. “I haven’t played as much senior footy as I would have liked to by now, but hopefully, this is a year that can be a breakout and I can find my spot in the team.”
20. JACOB TOWNSEND
Age: 27 Games: 60 Status: out of contract
Played this season on a rookie deal after being picked up from Richmond, managing nine goals in 12 games which he will hope is enough to earn another contract. Finished the season out of the team. As a second forward to Shaun McKernan – and then Joe Daniher when playing – he has been a regular target in attack. Just don’t call him a “key forward”. “He plays a role for us within our forward structure,” Worsfold said this year. He had earlier hoped the former Tiger could provide some much-needed versatility.
21. DYSON HEPPELL
Age: 28 Games: 172 Status: Contracted until end of 2022
A tough year for the skipper to endure with just three games under his belt after ankle surgery. Will be a huge boost to a promising midfield that largely had to do without his presence this season. “We believe we’re starting to build a really strong culture and excited to play under Truck (Ben Rutten) now, everyone’s super supportive of the vision he has for us,” he said on Triple M on Saturday.
22. IRVING MOSQUITO
Age: 20 Games: 4 Status: Out of contract
A debut in the Darwin Dreamtime captured the football community as Mosquito burst onto the scene with two goals. He played another three games before unfortunately suffering a season-ending ACL injury that could cost him his entire 2021, as well. Should be re-signed. “He’s worked really hard,” Worsfold said before his debut. “Some of his games in our match sim have been electrifying. He deserves his opportunity.”
23. HARRISON JONES
Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Taken with pick 30 in last year’s draft and is yet to play a senior game. Has worked hard in match simulation games in the team’s Queensland hub, after a difficult return back to playing, with his chasing and tackling in particular proving eye-catching.
24. NICK BRYAN
Age: 18 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
The athletic ruck was taken with pick 38 in last year’s draft and did not play a senior game in 2020. He travelled to the Queensland hub and continued his development, including spending time learning to play in defence and also in the ruck. “He’s learning all the little things about being a defender, but he was strong in the high-ball contests and had lots of spoils … it was another step forward,” development coach Leigh Tudor said after one August hitout.
25. JAKE STRINGER
Age: 26 Games: Status: 138 Contracted until end of 2021
Has struggled with both form and injuries this year, with a syndesmosis injury unfortunately sidelining the forward for the middle section of the season. After his return, he spent very little time in the midfield, coming under fire for his fitness. Still has a year to run. “Jake’s got a role to play within our club and within the team and he’s been performing that role really well for us so far this year,” Worsfold said earlier this season.
26. CALE HOOKER
Age: 31 Games: 201 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
The defender has been used forward at times by incoming senior coach Ben Rutten, and to promising effect. But consistency has evaded him, dropped towards the end of the season after a few earlier injury troubles. Reports on Nine on Sunday indicated that he – and teammate Michael Hurley – are no certainty to be at the club next year.
27. MASON REDMAN
Age: 23 Games: 37 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Played 12 games but was in and out of the team at times, dropped on occasion. Really battled to find consistency in the defensive set up, particularly late in the season. “He can play halfback, half-forward, on-ball, and he’s a tough, resilient kid,” list boss Adrian Dodoro said in May. “We’ve always felt he could be that tall midfielder, a bit like Corey Enright was for the Cats – those nice, six-foot-two running mids. I still think he could do that. He’s combative, he’s tough, and he’s got a good tank, speed and game awareness.”
28. NED CAHILL
Age: 19 Games: 3 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Goalsneak who made his debut in Round 7 before playing three games on the trot. Suffered a quad injury but returned to playing scratch matches late in the season. “He’s a funny character,” teammate Andrew McGrath said. He brings energy to the group, he’s an individual and he’s always himself, which is something we love.”
29. PATRICK AMBROSE
Age: 29 Games: 87 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Was injured in the pre-season and didn’t manage to play a game in 2020, further injuring his foot during a scratch match. But he is highly-rated internally as he prepares to enter the final year of his deal. “Paddy has become a key pillar in what is a solid defensive unit and is widely recognised as an elite lockdown defender,” list boss Adrian Dodoro said when his contract was extended. “He is a highly respected person at the club and we are thrilled to continue to see him thrive both on and off the field.”
30. BRANDON ZERK-THATCHER
Age: 22 Games: 11 Contracted until end of 2021
Has shown serious promise in his second season, with a consistent run of games in the second half of the year. Is still learning – that’s clear, and got a lesson on Charlie Dixon – but the foundation is certainly there. “I didn’t know much about him before I arrived at the footy club and he’s got better and better with every training session,” assistant coach Blake Caracella said in the pre-season.
32. NOAH GOWN
Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Delisted
The 2018 draftee was farewelled on Sunday, unable to play a senior game after two years on the list. Had been working hard in scratch matches in Queensland on his forward craft but remained unable to break through.
33. BRAYDEN HAM
Age: 21 Games: 15 Status: Out of contract
One of a raft of Bombers without a deal for next season and played just nine games this season. Had a number of strong performances, including against Collingwood in Round 5. His output has fluctuated but was a relative senior regular. “I feel like I’ve prepped myself up, got the body that can compete now at the higher level,” he said in June.
34. ANDREW PHILLIPS
Age: 29 Games: 46 Status: Out of contract
Played just five games this year, with his Essendon debut coming in Round 5 after time at Greater Western Sydney and Carlton. Was tough to compete with the likes of Tom Bellchambers and emerging tall Sam Draper for ruck time, but when he did he had an impact, clearly defeating the likes of Jon Ceglar in Round 14. Also contributes up forward. “It hasn’t quite played out for me over the last couple of years but the confidence that Essendon’s given me over the last couple of months is fantastic. Personally I feel like this is my time to come in and really stamp my authority on the number one ruck and really build on it.”
35. MATT GUELFI
Age: 23 Games: 43 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Honest, hardworking and brings plenty to the table. But was only afforded 10 opportunities to do that in 2020, unable to break in for the first half of the season. Always a solid contributor, and has another year to find a more consistent presence. “I’m getting more confident every year and feeling more at home in Melbourne and in the AFL system,” Guelfi told Sport FM early in the year. “I’m so lucky to be where I am.”
36. LACHLAN JOHNSON
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Taken with pick 63 in last year’s draft, but is yet to play a senior game after suffering an ACL injury in July 2019. The son of Lions great Chris Johnson had proven eye-catching in his draft year as a talented flanker.
37. DYLAN CLARKE
Age: 22 Games: 20 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Battled to break in in the first half of the season, but played consistently in the second half. Is capable of playing shutdown roles if required, which is a handy asset for any team. Club great Matthew Lloyd believes he should “be only playing to tag”.
38. SAM DRAPER
Age: 21 Games: 8 Status: Contracted until end of 2023
Long-awaited debut came in Round 9 and the young tall hardly looked back. His rapid rise had been curtailed by a knee injury, but earned a new deal before even playing a game, and has been anointed the heir apparent following Bellchambers’ retirement. “It’s been a long way back to this point but he’s worked extremely well,” Worsfold said before his debut. “We’re very excited to see what he’s going to bring to the team.”
39. ROSS MCQUILLAN
Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Irish recruit who joined the club at the end of 2019 as an international rookie. Had been working as a defender for most of the season but recently trialled on a wing as he continues to develop his game. “He showed he was smart enough to do it, attacking well when we had the chance and getting back to defence to help out,” development coach Leigh Tudor said. “He showed there were possibilities for us to play him more on the wing as well.”
40. WILL SNELLING
Age: 23 Games: 21 Status: Out of contract
Has been a regular feature of the team’s best 22 after being picked up in the 2019 mid-season draft. But contract talks were in limbo up until just a couple of weeks ago, with clubs still waiting to have list sizes confirmed. “Hopefully in the next couple of weeks and going forward before the end of the season we can get something done, that would be great,” Snelling told SEN SA late last month.
41. CIAN McBRIDE
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Has been working on his development in defence, after signing on at the end of last year. The tall, strong defender – who had attracted interest from a number of other clubs – has impressed. “It was always going to be tough moving away from home,” he said earlier this year. “It was a big decision but it was the right decision in the end.”
42. ADAM SAAD
Age: 26 Games: 109 Status: out of contract
The Bombers speedster’s contract talks have proven anything but quick. Despite hopes things were progressing early in the year, there’s been no signature. It is understood that the club has offered the defender a four-year deal, but he will not make a call until post-season, with reports he wants more direction on the club’s future. “He left the Gold Coast Suns because he thought ‘I’ll get back to my family but also I’ll have some success’,” club great Matthew Lloyd said recently. “He hasn’t had it so he’s obviously got to weigh up his future like Joe Daniher is, like Orazio Fantasia is … it’s telling me that he’s not sure where the club is at the moment and he’s weighing up his future and maybe looking elsewhere.”
43. ANTHONY McDONALD-TIPUNGWUTI
Age: 27 Games: Status: 106 Contracted until end of 2022
Struggled to find consistency this year and have significant impact. Has kicked 19 goals – his best return four goals against West Coast – but that’s his lowest tally since he first joined the club, which Worsfold said was potentially a flow-on effect from other injuries. Still another two years to run, which prompted the suggestion from former Saint Leigh Montagna that he may have trade currency. “We’ve had to use ‘Walla’ in a couple of different roles throughout the year to help out as we’ve blooded a couple of younger players,” Worsfold said. “But overall he’s in good shape and at some point maybe he’ll end up with a bigger haul of goals.”
44. SHAUN McKERNAN
Age: 30 Games: 88 Status: Delisted
Has been at the club since the end of 2014 but this year carried his greatest responsibility in front of goal in the absence of Joe Daniher, but played just nine games for five goals. Has not been offered a contract for next season, he revealed after Saturday’s loss. “I came here with the hope of playing a few games and ended up being here for six years, exceeding far more than I ever expected,” he said. “Excited for whatever opportunity comes next.”
45. CONOR McKENNA
Age: 24: Games: 79 Status: retired
To say it was a turbulent year for McKenna is an understatement. The Irishman, who had returned to his homeland in the pre-season for the third time, returned to Australia to endure a COVID storm and then more homesickness. He called time on his career in September. “It’s been a difficult year for everyone, but it’s also been a chance to take stock and weigh up several things in my life, so the time is right,” he said. “I will always be grateful for Essendon’s support of both myself and my family since I arrived at the club from the other side of the world at the end of 2014.”
46. MITCHELL HIBBERD
Age: 23 Games: 9 Status: Delisted
The former Roo was taken in the rookie draft at the end of last season, and played seven games in 2020 after knee surgery in the pre-season before he was farewelled on Sunday. Was drafted as an inside midfielder and finds the ball well, with incoming coach Ben Rutten pleased to have exposed him more at senior level. “I just feel like I need to play,” he said after his Bombers debut. “I just need to keep playing and getting continuity in my footy and the rest will just take care of itself.”
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47. HENRY CRAUFORD
Age: 22 Games: 0
Mature-age ruck from Norwood in the SANFL who was the last player to join the Bombers’ list in March this year in the pre-season supplemental period. Has been playing scratch matches in Queensland working on both his ruck and forward craft. “Henry is a great young man that will broaden our ruck depth and has the ability to play as a tall forward,” Dodoro said at the time of signing. “He displays good athleticism and endurance for a man of his height.”
49. TOM HIRD
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Contracted until end of 2021
Joined the club in March as a category B rookie, having transferred to footy from soccer, which he had played in the Netherlands. Unfortunately suffered a navicular stress fracture in his foot in June, which sidelined him indefinitely. The club is taking a long-term approach to his development. “He is an athletic young sportsman with natural talent, but we will be taking a patient approach with his development as he begins to build his strength,” Dodoro said when the son of club legend James signed on.