News

Hird excited by Kavanagh selection

Friday, 25 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon coach James Hird says his club isn't concerned by the injury history of its first pick in Thursday's NAB AFL Draft, Elliott Kavanagh.

Watch Kavanagh in action here on BomberTV →

The Western Jets midfielder missed half of 2011 with a serious hamstring injury, and couldn't rediscover his stunning 2010 form when he returned.

But Hird said the club wasn't deterred by the injury and believed it had found another quality player to add to its exciting young list.

"We're very happy," Hird said.

"Elliott was probably one of the best 16-year-olds in the country and we think we've got a very good player.

"We've just got to iron out that hamstring injury and work it out, but we're pretty sure it's OK."

Hird made it clear after Essendon's elimination final loss to Carlton that the Bombers needed to add depth to their midfield, and he said Kavanagh will be the perfect inclusion.

"Elliott's definitely an inside and outside midfielder and a good combination of both," Hird said.

"We have no doubt that he can win his own ball but actually use it really well too. He does everything at speed so we couldn't be happier with Elliott."

With pick 31 Essendon selected Geelong Falcons midfielder Jackson Merrett and Nick O'Brien, a leading half-forward, from North Ballarat Rebels with selection 59.

Essendon has made known its focus on bringing strong people into the club in the past year and Hird said each draftee would do the same.

"We think we've got three really good characters into the club. They're all from Victoria and all reasonably close to Essendon," Hird said.

The Bomber coach signalled his intentions pre-draft to pick another ruckman, and said the club would use the NAB AFL Rookie Draft to find another big man.

"If there's a ruckman available in that rookie draft that's where we'll go for a ruckman," Hird said.

"We'll definitely try for one there."

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So what's the order in the rookie draft, and is Manson on the radar ?

- alec shiffman (posted 25/11/2011 10:44:22 AM)

Ironing out hamstrings injuries... ouch. Being local - can't get much more local than Penleigh - EFC probably had the best chance of any club to get the full info on K's injuries. You still can't say it is not a risk but he sounds perfect for us. All very exciting and great work team!

- Kris Bayne (posted 25/11/2011 10:54:21 AM)

Let's hope that we've picked up a (healthy) bargain. I suspect we will also have another crack at Caddy next year if his form stands up through the season. Under Sheeds, we brought many exciting young ind

- Rob Carew (posted 25/11/2011 11:17:08 AM)

I've only briefly scanned the draft picks from last night but it seems it lacks the depth of exciting young indiginous players that we are used to seeing. Sheeds brought many terrific indiginous players to the club but it has fallen away in the drafts since he left. Let's hope we see more in the future, particularly at Essendon.

- Rob Carew (posted 25/11/2011 11:25:48 AM)

Great job yet again EFC

- Bill Murray (posted 25/11/2011 11:27:05 AM)

It seems that Kav is just about as close as you could get to the complete package as a midfielder, and will be even more so when he puts on a few more kilos of muscle. The people at our club who make the decisions about who we draft, know more about Kav's left hammy than we do, and obviously must think that it isn't a major problem.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 25/11/2011 11:37:27 AM)

Queries about Manson are valid, but the go-home factor is huge. He was so upset at the Draft Combine that he wanted out then. His close supporters even believe he would struggle. We cannot take that risk unless as a rookie.

- Wesley Hull (posted 25/11/2011 12:15:47 PM)

My own team has three boys who have gained selection in the Queensland Scorpions team and the ingigenous Boomerangs team. They will all fall under the draft radar next year. Problem is homesickness. Getting them to leave here. Cairns isn't home either. It's already a base a long way from home. It's harder again to relocate them further away. Manson isn't even from Darwin, so he already wants to go home to outback W.A. Would love more indigenous talent, but it isn't easy...for them.

- Wesley Hull (posted 25/11/2011 12:52:08 PM)

have warmed to kavanagh more now. Ken Fletcher knows him well from Penleigh so I trust his information and feelings, as well as the clubs. Merrett was an unexpected gift...big wraps...and O'Brien also seems like a top choice.

- Wesley Hull (posted 25/11/2011 12:54:28 PM)

Terrible mistake. Where's our "we will need to get a Ruckman" should have recruited Orren Stevensen not happy. Should have gotten Kerridge, local Bendig Bombers kid, and Torey Dickson, instead we got a 16 year old Kavanagh, a cricketer kid Merrett and O'brien. Should have gooen Manson 10 goals for the Warratahs next to Fev in the forward line when playing in the NTFL. If we don't recruit Matthew Little, it'll be Bendigo Bombers and EFC Reserves for me.

- al Catraz (posted 25/11/2011 1:05:17 PM)

Touch of Judd there on the burst!

- Graham Flynn (posted 25/11/2011 1:12:02 PM)

if jimmy is excited then so is bobby. as we are both great minds of the game.

- Bob Davies (posted 25/11/2011 1:15:19 PM)

The word Hamstring sends shivers through the Bomber faithful. But Hird seems to have full faith in our medical staff regarding their assesment of Elliots injury. Hopefully the "hamstrung brothers" Kavanagh and Gumby will be able to show us their playing prowess in 2012. Very exciting times....but it always is at this time of the year.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 25/11/2011 1:18:59 PM)

Just hope he has better luck than young Longy. Elliott dropped from a touted top 5 pick, can we be so lucky, we are due for some good fortune with injuries.

- Mark McLachlan (posted 25/11/2011 1:49:07 PM)

Hirdy you have an important decision with Kavanagh and his hammy history.

- Ralph Lepore (posted 25/11/2011 1:55:56 PM)

Don't worry about this kid, a no brainer, they are not going to recruit anyone who won't stand up, they are not new to this game, he has been checked over, and not found wanting, we have a great degree of nous available, from advisers to coaches, to doctors to committee, a lot depends on the expertise of the people who do this for a living, if they can't do the job well, get another who can, thats the grim reality of life, can't stand the strain accept the pain.

- Max Rodwell (posted 25/11/2011 2:02:05 PM)

Really hoping Nick Ryan gets a Rookie berth

- Thomas Faunce (posted 25/11/2011 2:10:24 PM)

I just wish we had the same attitude towards recruiting injury prone players with SELWOOD. And the IRONY is that gumby proved to be more injured than SELWOOD . Can the club please help get gumby the best medical help money can buy to give the poor kid a chance.

- Chris Steffen (posted 25/11/2011 3:25:02 PM)

Wow, does anyone else see a touch of Chris Judd in those tackle breaks and acceleration? i'm looking forward to seeing this bloke in a few years!

- chris Bourbon (posted 25/11/2011 3:26:22 PM)

I imagine the club has been involved with him for awhile now and have most likely been helping him manage his injury from afar. They have probably been quite happy for him not to play too much this year, knowing that it would only make him look less appealing to other clubs, while his hammy has been getting an optimum chance at rehab, ready for his first season in the red and black. I love the draft, it doesn't half get the blood pumping again, ready for another years footy.

- tim j (posted 25/11/2011 3:40:00 PM)

What a lucky pick ! :) Good job Bombers !!

- Emma Fenby (posted 25/11/2011 3:50:25 PM)

Better pick up Shane Nelson on the rookie from West Perth. No1 in kicking & no offers u are kidding, Hirdy

- Neville Brooker (posted 25/11/2011 4:04:32 PM)

This guy is going to be fine don't worry about the hamstring...remember the fuss last year about Heppell's groin?? another great coup by EFC the only question I ponder is wil he ware number 1,12,13,28,or33 ??? personaly I would like to see Crameri get number 1

- Steve Craven (posted 25/11/2011 4:13:23 PM)

Kavanagh - appears to be an ideal choice. His history of injuries doesn't sound too good but the "top guns" at the EFC will do everything in their power to get this player on the track.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 25/11/2011 4:15:25 PM)

@al Catraz, he's not 16 years old anymore, he was born in May '93, that means he'll be 19 by round 8 next year.

- Brendan Burnie (posted 25/11/2011 4:23:37 PM)

relax alcatraz,my bobby is a champignon part time ruck that can be relied upon to fill the littlehouse breech if required.Graham carberry once told me bobby was the perfect man in his purple and gold jumpsuit

- M. Dickson-Davies (posted 25/11/2011 5:03:35 PM)

I hope that is a promise al catraz. Aurevoir.Thankfully 99% of this forum is a little more appreciative and welcoming to our new lads than you. Your recruiting dude - your team would not beat a VFL side. Belly must have Jimmy's faith, so he should. Manson was the biggest risk of them all.

- Brad Scarr (posted 25/11/2011 5:06:16 PM)

Welcome fellas. Nice work EFC. Kav a steal. Three young guns could not make a team. Would love to see some games into these guys next year but the real step must be made by the ~35 boys who played in 2011. Project ruckman a must. Would hate to see a replay of the 2009 Elimination Final now we're down to 3.

- Joel Campbell (posted 25/11/2011 5:26:50 PM)

Move over "The Pav". Look out for "The Kav"

- Daniel Bradford (posted 25/11/2011 5:31:30 PM)

I'm Excited, TOO!!!!!!!!!!! Hmmm, the talk the other week was about Ruckmen, nice smoke-screen........

- Nick Tomaras (posted 25/11/2011 5:47:53 PM)

Hope Elliott's old man doesn't interfere

- Mark McLachlan (posted 25/11/2011 6:03:58 PM)

I hope we can get Longy back on the list. Medical report the major factor. Fingers crossed.

- Brad Scarr (posted 25/11/2011 6:11:40 PM)

I am not happy to read the rubbish submitted on a regular basis by someone calling them self Al Catraz.It amazes me that there are individuals about who condider their judgement superior to our coaching and recruitment staff. Keep up the dedication and good work Jimmy and Mark. I know we are in great hands. Stan Best

- Stan Best (posted 25/11/2011 6:25:46 PM)

Fair chance Crameri wearing number 1 i reckon Steve Craven,i agree.Howlett should get No.12 as he is similar to Welshy in his early days.Kavanagh 13 IMO.28-Merrett,33-O'Brien my guess's.Godd call Thomas Faunce-I'd think Nick Ryan would be a monty to be rookied as he plays ruck/forward.Paul Bevan and Jaryd Morton are also worth a spot.Reckon Ben Duescher might get rookied too finally.He desrves it!

- Mark Elze (posted 25/11/2011 7:00:22 PM)

if they all say hamstrings we can fix and not a worry how come after 6 years they have not got more games out of Gumby and we do now know yet if he will come good lets all hope he does

- Norman Barr (posted 25/11/2011 8:09:13 PM)

@ Brendan Burnie, dont worry too much about what Al says, he tends to type before he puts his brain into gear, as I have said before too many monday morning quarterbacks on this forum, let the professionals do their jobs. As others have said and i agree "in hird we trust"

- Paul Herbert (posted 25/11/2011 8:38:17 PM)

Al, just for your information before you slag off again, Heps was also under an injury cloud. Let the experts do their job mate-otherwise shut the door on your way out, there's a good fellow!

- Graeme Blore (posted 25/11/2011 9:08:12 PM)

hey al catraz the big orra is about 29 and has had his own injury problems in the last couple of years, suits geelong having a last dip but no good for a young side.

- anastasia Meek (posted 25/11/2011 9:44:08 PM)

Mark Elze ..I like your selections and reasoning but I think because Kav wore 21 they might just reverse it to 12 and 28 to me looks taylor made for Hibberd

- Steve Craven (posted 25/11/2011 10:51:05 PM)

Al,maybe listen to Hirds press conference again.Geelong drafted Orren for a reason,they only needed a top up to replace Ottens.Ours is a completely different situation and we have a young team.Bye bye Al.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 25/11/2011 11:22:47 PM)

Hirdy mentioned a ruck and more mature bodies for the rookie draft. Still think Tuck should get a look at and perhaps that bloke Urquhart, is it, who was at North - Martin G for 'Guru', I have a yen for your thoughts, mate?

- Kris Bayne (posted 25/11/2011 11:27:19 PM)

Ryan, Deuscher and Little in the rookery, but might need to castle to get at them.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 26/11/2011 12:14:16 AM)

Us from WA & especially in terms of providing the best players to the club, are somewot miffed at the ignorance of the recruiting people to overlook talent on offer. Shane Nelson from West Perth has to at NUMBER ONE AT HITTING A TARGET< HITTING A TARGET which 80 % of our players cant do would be a stand out. Hirdy are u there. ACT NOW

- Neville Brooker (posted 26/11/2011 12:31:51 AM)

Well done Essendon on your selections. I trust your judgements completely. I'm so excited and looking forward to next year with much anticipation! To the new draftees, welcome to our club! Looking forward to an exciting and successful future!

- Rita Sharrock (posted 26/11/2011 2:18:50 AM)

to play as a ruck

- M. Dickson-Davies (posted 26/11/2011 2:20:05 AM)

Fevoooollllllaaaaaaaa!

- James Whitely (posted 26/11/2011 2:37:02 AM)

Mark Macca, I think maybe he has already,a certain club is "hopping" mad. More to come.

- Bill Carbis (posted 26/11/2011 10:12:10 AM)

need to look at lachie dalgleish from ballarat rebels for a rookie spot as has great speed and good skills which is something we could never have enough of,as 4 al catraz orren stevenson wouldn't get a game 4 bendigo

- Shane Briggs (posted 26/11/2011 10:55:53 AM)

Great highlights package on Kav great speed and agility if the hammy holds up well done bombers. would look good in whoosha's #12. I can just see him breaking out of the middle and hitting hurls or gumby on the chest with a penetrating kick goal to the Bombers. So excited by 2012 bring it on

- Jeff Skinner (posted 26/11/2011 11:15:51 AM)

Norman i also hope Gumby comes good he is due for a bit of good luck to come his way. The problem with hamstrings is they are put under a lot of stress particularly at AFL level. I believe that Eithad stadium has contributed to more hammys than any other playing surface that also needs to come into consideration what do you think thoughts people ?????

- Jeff Skinner (posted 26/11/2011 11:24:26 AM)

EI. Been wanting to know for a while now, is Jake Carlisle any chance of playing as a ruckman, does he have that ability, or is he more suited to playing only as a key forward?

- Josh Byrne (posted 26/11/2011 12:03:41 PM)

EI, when do the new guys actually join the club & start pre-season please.

- Mark McLachlan (posted 26/11/2011 12:43:08 PM)

Welcome to all the new draftees, Kav,Merrett and O'Brien, I reckon we have done very well with those picks in a compromised draft!!! But whats the most pleasing aspect now since "JIMMY & BOMBER & CO" have taken over is that it seems lots of young players want to come and play for the "MIGHTY BOMBERS" again??? In previous years we couldn't attract a fly to a slaughter yard!!!! lol

- Ray Brough (posted 26/11/2011 1:36:40 PM)

Al Catraz....Stop Raving!!!!!!

- Harry Calaghan (posted 26/11/2011 4:43:01 PM)

Give it a rest Al Catraz!Not happy with a 14 to 8 finish this yr???Ask bulldog supporters about how they felt about their yr and future buddy.Your entitled to your opinion,but what about the positives?surely they outweigh the negatives at present do you not agree?Lighten up a bit!

- Mark Elze (posted 26/11/2011 6:01:25 PM)

picks look good to me,the ruckman everybody wants will be easy to pick up,so all the panic merchants can relax. I can name at least 2 that j.h knows about,I won/t at this time just in case some other clubs are interested.

- jim young (posted 26/11/2011 6:18:34 PM)

Josh, I wouldn't think Jake was suited to play ruck. He doesn't have the body for it and really is better suited to a marking fwd/back roll.

- Essendon Insider (posted 26/11/2011 7:48:57 PM)

Mark, the new draftees begin at the club on Monday. Can only imagine how they are feeling this weekend!

- Essendon Insider (posted 26/11/2011 7:49:25 PM)

Thanx EI, I can imagine how they are feeling, we are all getting "toey" & were just "armchair" players

- Mark McLachlan (posted 26/11/2011 8:03:10 PM)

Hope it's not a bad omen Bill, oh.! No.10

- Mark McLachlan (posted 26/11/2011 8:06:24 PM)

What about HURLEY for the 6th day in a row

- Shayne Formica (posted 26/11/2011 10:46:38 PM)

Well I`m certaintly glad A Catraz isn`t A Dodoro at our club. Adrian and James might know a thing or two more than you, hey Al.

- Cory Williams (posted 27/11/2011 1:19:13 AM)

I don't think Etihad is to blame Jeff. Alot of teething issues, about seven years worth, but they seem to have it right now. The surface is fantastic. great atmosphere, and we play it well. We tend to blame Etihad for our losses at the G? Hammys though, Welshy did his there, Jobe in Brissy, not sure about Cale. Doubt Etihad was to blame though.

- Brad Scarr (posted 27/11/2011 6:14:15 AM)

What are you up to Mr. C? You have me guessing. Did the Roos want our boy? You are baiting better than bobalina and broughy!

- Brad Scarr (posted 27/11/2011 6:25:24 AM)

Player list now includes our draftees. Longy is still on our playing list. Great sign. Rookie? How good would it be to have Gumby, Longy and Kav in the same (premiership) side. Don't write off Darcy just yet either, he is part of the goal to goal line with Joe! 2013, get us in to the new home and leave a spot in the cabinet!

- Brad Scarr (posted 27/11/2011 7:31:17 AM)

After the successes of Hardingham & Hibberd in PSD, i'm sort of glad we don't have a pick. Don't need it.Hird has largely kept a good list intact, added extra class in draft and we can load up rookies. See the word is hard bodies, so may see something like Little/Duscher locally, maybe an experienced player on second chance (Tuck?) a mature aged ruckman or maybe Bolger and a couple of the good kids left over from draft. Could be a really interesting rookie draft this year.

- Wesley Hull (posted 27/11/2011 8:58:16 AM)

Also, for anyone interested, the girls took on the boys again at our school, as we did last year. They played again for all women in AFL whether they be players, officials, supporters or mums. No photos this year due to the legal issues of posting kids photos on the net. Result, in a thriller, saw the Year 4/5 boys 4 1 25 beat the girls 3 3 21 with the last kick of the day. The boys wore the Essendon jumpers this time, and now 20 Essendon coloured jumpers are drying on my clothesline...that's thrilling.

- Wesley Hull (posted 27/11/2011 9:03:33 AM)

The thing we need to really consider is that it will take these kids 3-5 years to fully develop the frame and tank they need to play consistent league level football. Dyson, this year, was a revelation but also an exception to the rule. Fingers crossed he doesn't suffer 2nd year blues a la Daniel Rich and here's hoping that we get a chance to see these lads strut their stuff in the pre-season.

- Duncan Eastey (posted 27/11/2011 12:37:41 PM)

Bill C. it's just a storm in a teacup. They had their chance to draft him but they "hopped" in a different direction. Rock on Round 1 :) Cheers

- Martin Gol (posted 27/11/2011 1:34:21 PM)

I like al Catraz's enthusiasm for the youngsters and his capacity for unusual and catalysing ideas.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 27/11/2011 2:00:42 PM)

Kris, here's my 10 roubles worth: Possible YES to Travis Tuck and definite NO to Gavin Urquhart. The former deserves another chance and his reliable dad would make sure he makes the most of it. The latter comes with a 300k price tag - too high for a rookie. I was strongly considering James Sellar but #54 put paid to that idea. And a resolute NO Mark McL :) to doing a rookie phantom draft. That would be the 3rd stage of insanity - I'm not sure what the first 2 stages are!! However, I will consider potential rookie selections for Essendon. Cheers guys.

- Martin Gol (posted 27/11/2011 4:09:27 PM)

I posted about hurley for the last 6days and the last 2 posts have not been posted.. I pay my membership and i am aloud to have my say, and to see what the other bomber fans says

- Shayne Formica (posted 27/11/2011 4:58:43 PM)

With these picks, and hopefully this year is a breakout year for Gumby plus with Winders and Dempsey back as well as Hibberd, things look good and depth looks even better. Then add potentially Caddy and Joe Daniher for 2013 - the EFC has grabbed the key, flicked the lock open ready to wind out that premiership window perhaps as early as 2013.

- Daisy Graham (posted 27/11/2011 9:01:16 PM)

You sure are, Shayne F! You have about as much chance of getting what you want as I have of playing CHF. Just calm down and let the club work on it. Just because no-one has called you up about Hurley, I am certain they are making preparations.

- Kris Bayne (posted 28/11/2011 9:48:38 AM)

Thanx Martin, love your imput

- Mark McLachlan (posted 28/11/2011 10:31:22 AM)

Thanks Brad i knew they had probs with Etihad wasn't sure how much work has been done to address the condition of the playing surface. My hope is that with the new facilities beening built we will once again be able to run out games at the mcg

- Jeff Skinner (posted 28/11/2011 3:14:30 PM)

Bradley,you really know how to hurt a bloke,lumping me in with the Dazzler & Raybie,and Martin,yes they did have their chance,but I,m sure EI would not let me say what the circumstances were.Just let me say that Essendon have not done anything wrong.

- Bill Carbis (posted 28/11/2011 6:47:58 PM)

Bradley,you sure know how to hurt a bloke,lumping me in with the Dazzler and Raybie. I submitted a response to yours and Martins posts but The EI has apparently censored it,dont know why,there was nothing in it that was insulting or obnoxious. :-) Go Dons.

- Bill Carbis (posted 29/11/2011 12:18:32 PM)

@Wes re Manson: I respect your point about the homesick factor, but if he's not playing for us, there's a fair chance he'll be playing against us. And I don't mind admitting that thought gives me nightmares.

- alec shiffman (posted 29/11/2011 5:19:47 PM)