Under the rule a club can nominate a rookie to play in the AFL halfway through the season and still have the ability to promote another should a player be placed on the long-term injury list.
Essendon’s four rookies Ariel Steinberg, Cory Dell’Olio, Hal Hunter and Lachlan Dalgleish are in line for elevation.
Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said the club was yet to make a decision on who and when they would make a promotion.
“As of round 11 clubs can elevate a rookie to their senior list if they have room in their total player payments,” Dodoro said.
“We will certainly look at that in the next couple of weeks as we have had four rookies all in very good form this year but we are not going to make a decision yet on promoting anyone.”
“When Hirdy thinks that there is a spot in the team for one of them we will elevate one.”
Dodoro said it was a tough call on who would be elevated but he was pleased with the form of all four rookies this season.
“Ariel Steinberg has had a really good year, Hal Hunter has been really consistent, Lachlan Dalgleish has played really well, developed and improved and of course Cory Dell’Olio has been a really consistent goal kicker,” he said.
“It will be a tough call but you would have to think that Cory Dell’Olio would be slight favourite as an elevation given he is a little bit older, has already played senior footy and has been in exceptional form this year.”
Essendonfc.com.au takes a further look at how the club’s four rookie listed players have been performing in the VFL this season.
Ariel Steinberg
Steinberg has played in defence for most of the season for Essendon’s VFL side showing impressive form with his ability to shut down key position forwards. Has not only shown his ability to stop an opponent but also take a strong contested mark when called upon.
Cory Dell’Olio
Dell’Olio has been in sublime form this season kicking 22 goals from his first nine matches including a bag of three last weekend against Sandringham. A strong mark overhead for his size the small forward has a good goal sense with the ability to convert a set shot or snap a crumbing goal from the pocket.
Hal Hunter
Hunter has had a consistent season playing in the Bombers VFL team switching between half forward and the midfield. He is hard at it with the ability to lay a strong tackle and possesses quality skills by hand or foot. Has shown his ability this season when he has been able to string together consecutive games.
Lachlan Dalgleish
Dalgleish is a skillful half back who is another one to have shown strong signs at VFL level this season. His pace off halfback matched with his silky skills by foot provides an important option for setting up attack from defence.
