Before the start of the 2016 season, we take a look at which players may line-up in the Essendon forward line.
Joe Daniher:
Games Played: 48 Career Goals: 65
2015 Goals: 34 Avg Goals: 1.3
Best: 6 goals vs. Brisbane – Round 8, 2015
Daniher topped the goal kicking list for a second consecutive year as he continued to improve and show why he will be an important part of the team’s forward structure for years to come. The year included several personal bests for the youngster including a bag of six goals against Brisbane in round 8.
Cale Hooker:
Games Played: 133 Career Goals: 28
2015 Goals: 21 AVG Goals: 0.2
Best: 3 goals vs. Richmond – Round 21, 2015
Being an All-Australian defender was not enough for Hooker who made the big switch to the opposite end of the ground halfway through the 2015 season. The move was a success with the experienced defender kicking 21 goals for the year. Although the move has not been confirmed as a permanent one, there is no doubt that Hooker’s ability to read the play and take a strong mark would be of great benefit to the Essendon forward line.
Ben Howlett:
Games Played: 117 Career Goals: 57
2015 Goals: 10 AVG Goals: 0.5
Best: 5 goals vs. Richmond – Round 11, 2014
Although known for his hardness in the midfield, Howlett has also proved that he has the ability to kick goals. Aside from his memorable bag of five against Richmond in the 2014 Dreamtime at the ‘G game, the West Australian snuck forward to kick four goals against Adelaide in 2013 and three goals against Carlton in 2015. His ability to win the ball at the stoppage could prove to be a good addition to the Essendon forward line.
Courtenay Dempsey:
Games Played: 119 Career Goals: 31
2015 Goals: 5 AVG Goals: 0.3
Best: 3 goals vs. Western Bulldogs – Round 16, 2013
Dempsey’s switch to the forward line late in the year seemed to be a positive one. Having spent most of his career as a defender, Dempsey showed renewed energy around the ball as he finished off the season with four goals in four games – including two against the Gold Coast Suns. His experience, speed and pressure around the ball will be a valuable addition to the Essendon forward line.
Jackson Merrett:
Games Played: 43 Career Goals: 19
2015 Goals: 8 AVG Goals: 0.44
Best: 2 goals vs. Collingwood – Round 5, 2013
An accurate and powerful kick, Merrett is a handy player in either the forward pocket or on a half-forward flank. His pressure around the ball is also important, adding some much needed aggression to the forward half.
Nick Kommer:
Games Played: 19 Career Goals: 10
2015 Goals: N/A AVG Goals: 0.53
Best: 1 goal vs. Fremantle – Round 3, 2013
Fans haven’t seen Kommer in action since 2013, but all will remember the tenacity and aggression he brings to the forward half. Even if he isn’t kicking goals, Kommer’s attack on the opposition – and the pressure often forces turnovers, giving teammates the opportunity to strike. A fit and healthy Kommer would be hard to overlook in 2016.
Shaun Edwards:
Games Played: 21 Career Goals: 10
2015 Goals: 8 AVG Goals: 0.48
Best: 2 goals vs. Melbourne – Round 15, 2015
Edwards was finally given his chance in 2015 and did not disappoint. His speed, high leap and quick thinking excited fans and coaches alike. Finishing with eight goals from just nine games in 2015, Edwards provided the spark to the Essendon forward line. Edwards has continued to work on his marking and kicking over the pre-season and will be a handy inclusion in 2016.
Jayden Laverde:
Games Played: 9 Career Goals: 5
2015 Goals: 5 AVG Goals: 0.56
Best: 2 goals vs. Port Adelaide – Round 17, 2015
Making his debut in round 15 against Melbourne, Laverde’s strong body and height proved to be a big advantage to the Essendon forward line. The 2014 draftee found his place across the half-forward line and finished the season with five goals from just nine games. He does have the potential to perhaps move into the midfield, but forward coach Hayden Skipworth would be fighting to have him stay as a forward.
Kyle Langford:
Games Played: 8 Career Goals: 3
2015 Goals: 3 AVG Goals: .38
Best: 2 goals vs. Port Adelaide – Round 17, 2015
Langford was played in a much similar position to fellow 2014 Draftee, Jayden Laverde – with a very similar result. He finished his season with three goals from eight games, Langford’s movement in the forward line was sleek enough that he was able to distance himself from his direct opponent. Having bulked up during the pre-season, Langford is in a strong position to play more games in 2016.
Shaun McKernan:
Games Played: 43 Career Goals: 27
2015 Goals: 6 AVG Goals: 0.63
Best: 3 goals vs. Gold Coast – Round 21, 2015
Although McKernan played predominantly as a ruck, he also showcased an ability to move into the forward line and kick goals. For a tall man, McKernan is strong at ground level, able to collect the ball and quickly and accurately snap. With Bellchambers and Leuenberger primed as the top ruck combination, McKernan may feature as a tall half-forward more often in 2016.
Tom Bellchambers:
Games Played: 79 Career Goals: 53
2015 Goals: 2 AVG Goals: 0.67
Best: 5 goals vs. Port Adelaide – Round 15, 2013
A fit Tom Bellchambers may spend more time in the forward line in 2016 with Leuenberger helping to share ruck duties. Bellchambers height will be advantageous in the forward half and will also take pressure off Daniher as the tall target.
Adam Cooney:
Games Played: 230 Career Goals: 196
2015 Goals: 10 AVG Goals: 0.85
Best: 5 goals vs. Sydney – Round 7, 2008
Cooney’s 200 plus game experience may be exactly what a young Essendon forward line needs. A great player around the pack, the ex-Bulldog kicked ten goals in 2015 to take his career total to 196. With midfield spots set to be highly contested, don’t be surprised to see the veteran slip into a pocket.
Michael Hurley:
Games Played: 119 Career Goals: 105
2015 Goals: 2 AVG Goals: 0.88
Best: 6 goals vs. Fremantle – Round 13, 2012
On the back of an All-Australian year as a defender, it is expected that Hurley will play the majority of season in the backline. However, he has proven over the years that he is more than capable of being a key position forward. His booming kick and strong hands may tempt the coaches to swing him to the forward line.
Other options:
Yestin Eades, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Mitch Brown, Mason Redman, Conor McKenna, Jake Long.
