News

Hird: Hille standout during pre-season

Monday, 6 February 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
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David Hille seems ready for a return to his best form, with Essendon coach James Hird saying the ruckman has been one of the club's standout pre-season performers.

Watch James Hird speaking to the media here on Bomber TV →

Hille has endured a frustrating two years since returning from his knee reconstruction in 2009, and struggled to reach his peak form and fitness during 2011.

But Hird said the 30-year-old has been training so well he has needed to be held back by the Bombers' fitness team.

"You don't want to jinx anyone, but so far David has put in a fantastic pre-season," Hird said at the club's Australia Post Community Camp in Maryborough.

"If anything, he's probably done too much and we've had to hold him back.

"With seven weeks to go until the season, we'll need to monitor his loads pretty seriously because at the moment there's not a player on the track who has done more or a better quality of training than David."

Essendon experimented with playing Hille, Ryder and Bellchambers in the same team last year to varying success, but Hird said they entered 2012 with clear plans how to best utilise the three big men.

"We've got a very solid idea. We'd like to play them all, and there'll be games when they all do play and others when they won't," Hird said.

"I'm very keen to have all of them up and going because they're three quality players."

PLAYER PROFILE: David Hille

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Would be magnificent to get Hille back up and running at his very best, consistently. At 30, and post knee reconstruction is it possible? Maybe, and I hope so! Go Dons!!

- Duncan Eastey (posted 6/02/2012 4:57:24 PM)

Whether we play all 3 or not depends entirely on how the midfield plays - i think too much was made out of it last year. Hopefully Hille has a good year..

- Alan Pratt (posted 6/02/2012 5:22:59 PM)

Summed it up perfectly Jimmy. Three 'quality' players. Three will work in the one side, it was the 'team' form last season that was coincidental with our 3 big men playing.

- Brad Scarr (posted 6/02/2012 5:38:28 PM)

A few years ago a lot of people were saying that David was our most important player, and they might have been right. If he can stay fit, he will show that even though he turns 31 in June, he is a long way from being over the Hille.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 6/02/2012 5:40:42 PM)

So, the Bomber males were sent to an Australia Post community camp. Let's hope the Essendon boys are delivered undamaged back to the right address. Keep us posted, Callum.

- Redblack Spider (posted 6/02/2012 5:44:26 PM)

Hard to argue with the great man, but 3 ruckman does not work - if it is possible without flirting with form then maybe a rotation is the answer.

- Eric Young (posted 6/02/2012 6:05:19 PM)

After reading all of these positive comments recently, we should not lose a game this season!!!

- Dave Davo (posted 6/02/2012 8:12:22 PM)

Still a vital piece of the puzzle, Hille can fill ruck, forward and enforcer roles. Captained our club in a dark time and di not fail, so has leadership as well. If fit, Hille could have a big say over the next seaon or two.

- Wesley Hull (posted 6/02/2012 9:07:42 PM)

A fully fit and firing Hille will be such a bonus to our improving team. He needs to throw his weight around without crossing the line as suspensions hurt too. Hirdy is happy - so am I.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 6/02/2012 10:41:33 PM)

Certain clubs' defenses/game style can be stretched by playing three rucks, all of whom can kick goals. Keeps them guessing. But considering Hille was having trouble with recovery, Paddy was down quite a bit, and Belly is developing, it is worth trying again if it fits.

- Kris Bayne (posted 7/02/2012 1:00:11 AM)

Size and mobility mean that a fit David Hille is an absolute weapon. A top season from the big fella would lift us to the top.

- Ian Harrop (posted 7/02/2012 4:48:22 AM)

FF Hille, Ruck Bellchambers and CHB Ryder

- Gerard Smith (posted 7/02/2012 9:10:50 AM)

so the plan is pretty much like last season. Sometimes play all 3 depending on... Doesn't sound "solid" an idea. I'd prefer to hear that the three had been working all pre season on what their exact roll will be.

- Michael Walters (posted 7/02/2012 9:35:20 AM)

Well done David, your enthusiasm will be vital for young players & encourageing for Jason, Courtney & Brent. Looking forward to seeing you on the field.

- Gail Taylor (posted 7/02/2012 10:25:59 AM)

Justifies, my feelings all along, not so long back there were certain supporters, calling for young Tom's head, pointed out the comparability, of young David Hille at the same transition period, and Sorry David But Belly's ahead of you, still has a way to go, but improvement is accelerating, he will soon be elite.

- Max Rodwell (posted 7/02/2012 12:10:51 PM)

Excellent news, but if David really is back to his best it'll make for some interesting selection dilemmas. I definitely think that the prospect of three rucks can't be discounted off hand, especially as Bellcho gets more game time and we can explore his versatility a little better.

- James Castleman (posted 7/02/2012 1:28:58 PM)

Ryder is a center half back,not a ruckman,ie he held Cloke last year.Fred

- Fred Stadly (posted 7/02/2012 2:28:48 PM)

Hille - great news..... He is a very important player to this team and hopefully he is over his injuries. His aggression on the field is vital.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 7/02/2012 2:42:36 PM)

The 3 big men are very important to this team and using them to to our advantage will be vital..... Ryder will have to perform from Round 1 - not like last year towards the end of the season.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 7/02/2012 3:14:23 PM)

Paddy plays his best when he is in the ruck and gets involved in the game, Hille and Tommy rotate forward and ruck and bench while Paddy can play defense or forward. Sounds confusing, but 3 can work.

- Cory Williams (posted 7/02/2012 3:20:30 PM)

Pt 1... Oh wow,big Dave is such a big cog in the side when firing,and if Belly can dominate like a Madden/Barnes (stand out year in 2000!)it will keep Paddy fresh for the "sky's the limit" shock tactics and moves to befuddle the opposition.. Hirdy is right,the three can play in the one side,but the "in terrific form" guide must be adhered to,must keep up their high standards with their "A" game...

- Noel Shields (posted 7/02/2012 4:26:25 PM)

Pt 2... Gumby firing this year,might change my thinking though,of playing the three talls. Anticipated excitement,at the prospects of a fitter,wiser, full list availability for each challenge we face this year.. Go You Mighty Bombers.. Enjoy, Our Mighty Members & Supporters,AND Roll On the Fund TARGET and development of OUR NEW HOME BASE :-) :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 7/02/2012 4:27:20 PM)

If David Hille is back to his best and is fit enough to play a full season it will be just as good as a top 5 draft pick,and playing the three of them is definitely an option,rotating forward and on and off the bench will lighten the load for all of them which will be a telling factor at the business end of the season.

- Bill Carbis (posted 7/02/2012 4:32:36 PM)

I like this Hille. David is tough and imposing. Hope Essendon's tallest timber has a healthy and heroic season. Play hard, mate.

- Jennifer Herrald (posted 7/02/2012 10:09:50 PM)

Not over the Hille just as yet it appears. Bring it on.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 7/02/2012 10:45:27 PM)

David Hille is still an improtant part of our side. He has a big frame, a strong physical presence. He can take big pack marks and is a good shot on goal. It would be great to see him finish out his career without injury affecting his form.

- Wayne Purcell (posted 7/02/2012 11:35:25 PM)