News

Myers steps out of the shadows

Sunday, 13 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

David Myers has learned about dealing with injuries. It is just one aspect of a footballer who has matured and is more at peace with the game and his place within it.

Having debuted in 2008, Myers' first three seasons at Essendon were decimated by time spent on the sidelines nursing groin troubles, hamstring strains and foot injuries.

Last season, as he established himself in the Bombers' back half, he broke his wrist and then, later in the year, missed three games with a hamstring injury and one with an ankle complaint.

But, along the way, Myers has developed coping mechanisms to understand, treat and then - most crucially - overcome each injury. No longer does he let himself dwell on what might have gone wrong.

It's why Myers is still upbeat despite missing the last two weeks of Essendon's pre-season with what he describes as "a hamstring niggle".

"You learn to accept injuries and not let them affect you any more," Myers said. "You just deal with them, get them right and get a bit more mature about them."

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The hamstring injury has kept Myers out of the running sessions his teammates have been put through in the past two weeks, but he has still been able to keep up with a "solid" program of weights and conditioning. He doesn't view it as a setback to his campaign, which will resume in full by the end of next week.

"It hasn't been a major thing. Because we came back so early, it's not going to have much effect. I'll be in full training by the time most clubs are starting anyway, and I'm definitely fitter than I've been coming into a pre-season," Myers said.

It is sometimes easy to forget that Myers is only 22 years old and preparing for his fifth AFL season, with the interrupted and disjointed start to his career making it seem he has been around much longer. Myers' 2011 season was, however, a turning point in his progression.

He played 14 games - almost doubling his next best return for a single year - and established himself as a key to Essendon's defence. He can play tall or small, has the versatility to move up the ground, and is a damaging long kick when in possession.

All the tools for an excellent, consistent modern footballer are there. However, it was an intangible - self-belief - which saw him develop so encouragingly in 2011.

At the end of 2010 as Essendon was searching for its new senior coach and coaching panel, Myers, a Western Australian, was out of contract and put talks on hold until he knew who would be taking the mantle.

Within five minutes of his first meeting with new coach James Hird, he knew Essendon was where he wanted to stay.

"I love the club, love the culture and love all the boys so I never really wanted to go anywhere else," he says. "Once James and all the other coaches were confirmed it was a bit of a no-brainer."

That sense of belonging flowed into his football. In the past, he had entered games worrying about whether he would be dropped the following Thursday. This season, he was able to concentrate on his football and what he had to do on the field. Things started to click.

"I don't think I'd strung together that many games in a year ever, but just to know you were a part of the squad and when you're available you'd be playing was good," Myers said.

"It means you go into the game and all you're worrying about is the job you have to do out on the field rather than worrying you might be getting the flick every second week."

Next year, Myers hopes to move more into the midfield, where his body strength and size - he's listed at 191cm and 88kg, about the same build as teammate Tayte Pears - will be of benefit at the stoppages.

Having recently moved in with teammate Travis Colyer, who will enter his third AFL season in 2012, Myers realises that he is starting to become a senior member of Essendon's squad.

Helping to push the club up the ladder is a responsibility and challenge he's looking forward to after a promising 2011 effort.

"Whilst we're all pretty happy and pleased with the year we had, we're by no means satisfied," Myers said.

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PLAYER PROFILE: David Myers

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Asked to play in some unfamiliar defensive roles last year with injuries to Pears, Hooker and Fletch, but hopefully with those boys staying fit, he can play in the middle.

- Adrian Betts (posted 13/11/2011 2:36:06 PM)

Hey hey hey, here comes Raybie! Good luck this season DM. Establish yourself on a wing, bombing it long into the forward line. It's your time to shine.

- Brad Scarr (posted 13/11/2011 4:00:59 PM)

Myers has his detractors and is unfairly compared to others in his draft year, but he has all the attributes to become a terrific, solid, long-term player. He just needs some luck with injuries. He has the confidence of the coaches and it seems he has growing self-belief. I look forward to his 2012 season.

- Kris Bayne (posted 13/11/2011 4:24:27 PM)

BRING ON 2012 MYERS

- MARK JONES (posted 13/11/2011 4:48:32 PM)

Very underrated player. In time, as a defender he may be compared to Corey Enright. He could also add value to his game and become an inside midfielder.

- Martin Gol (posted 13/11/2011 5:24:52 PM)

Every team has a 'nice guy!' Ours is David Myers. Good luck to you in 2012 David.

- Nicole Watson (posted 13/11/2011 5:26:28 PM)

A truly heartwarming story on young Dave,who plays his heart out each game,always endeavouring to improve himself constantly... One of the long dark shadows is from Tassie,which seems to be drifting closer to Antarctica,but our beloved friend Ray is doing his darnest to melt as many approaching icebergs as possible,with his continuing glowing support of our Bombers :-) Hope his Northern Bombers achieve the ultimate as well this year!! :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 13/11/2011 5:32:07 PM)

It's terrific that serious injuries, hopefully, are a thing of the past. David is one of my very favourites. He has all the attributes to make him an integral part of Essendon's side. I love him. Keep at it, David, you WILL make it.

- Joan Hill (posted 13/11/2011 5:34:53 PM)

Guess-work time! Nat Draft 2011: 1.Patton 2.Coniglio 3.Tyson 4.Hoskin-Elliot 5.Longer 6.Wingard 7.Buntine 8.Greene 9.Sumner 10.Kavanagh 11.Tomlinson 12.Elton 13.NHaynes 14.Paine 15.Adams 16.Kersten 17.Talia 18.Docherty 19.Markworth 20.Bootsma 21.Mitchell 22.McInness 23.Tunbridge 24.Frost 25.Ellis 26.Crozier 27.Forster 28.DSmith 29.BHill 30.Lockyer 31.Grigg (or Ross/Sheridan/McKenzie). Difficult to place Hamling and Manson, the latter being potentially elite but extremely high-risk.

- Martin Gol (posted 13/11/2011 6:02:02 PM)

David is a very talented footballer, he has great balance and composure and will be a big part of the Bomber resurgence in 2012.

- Rod Hooker (posted 13/11/2011 6:19:09 PM)

Myers gets compared most often to Palmer as we were touted to get him, but Freo got him first. Rioli went at 12, so we weren't the only club guilty. Dangerfield at 10 and Harry Taylor at 17 other options. But I believe Myers may yet trump them all (or at least equal)if the body holds together.

- Wesley Hull (posted 13/11/2011 9:04:58 PM)

And Martin, I look forward to your "phantom drafts" as much as the one on the AFL website. In a compromised, shallow draft with only two live picks, I would happily take Markworth, Grigg, McKenzie or Ross. Manson IS high risk of walking (like some of my players do) but I can't see him making the rookie draft. Word is he's amazing. Would he be worth the risk this year and stock up big next year with a better talent pool and higher draft order options???

- Wesley Hull (posted 13/11/2011 9:11:08 PM)

Not bad Martin!I had us taking Grigg at 19.though.

- Mark Elze (posted 13/11/2011 9:14:13 PM)

David Myers has shown that he is a versatile player with real ability, and while he has played mostly as a defender, I think that he could do well in the midfield, because he has shown that he can win a lot of the ball in heavy traffic, and that he can find space and give some run and carry. I think it is good for Dave to be living with an intelligent, decent person like Travis Colyer too.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 13/11/2011 9:52:32 PM)

So glad to see all these positive comments about David Myers. I know from a very good source that he reads these posts and takes the content to heart and hence negative posts from RB and the like would have been really gut wrenching for the boy. We seem to forget that he is only 22 and human. That goes for all of our players and we should take this into consideration before hitting that SEND button when we do post. All the best David and look at all these posts positive and negative in the same mature way as you view your unfortunate injuries.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 13/11/2011 10:06:47 PM)

David,is one of my favourite players. Unfortunately he has had a few injuries over the years.This year we got a better glimpse of what he can do,and it looks good.A very down to earth person who was very enjoyable to have a chat with. As I am sure Alan,many players read this website.I also know for a fact the Paddy reads what we have to say,definately with you in saying.Its great to have everyone talk about Myers in a positive way.More of it I say.22 is still very young.Is it March yet! Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 14/11/2011 10:32:36 AM)

Good luck to you David for an injury free season in 2012. You show strength of character to go beyond a seemingly endless array of injuries. Keep building on your confidence & self-belief, you will shine.

- Gail Taylor (posted 14/11/2011 11:04:06 AM)

another player who is improving immensely under jimmy and bomber guidance. what a pity they did not take over in 2008? oh well.

- Margaret Dickson (posted 14/11/2011 1:14:45 PM)

Dave Myers is a similar size to bobby dazzler, so perhpas he could make it as a champion part time ruckman??

- Margaret Dickson (posted 14/11/2011 1:17:18 PM)

perhpas.. perhpas... perhpas....

- Noel Shields (posted 14/11/2011 2:09:44 PM)

Really impressed with David as a player and person, this season was the break-out, 2012 will be even better, hopefully in the midfield where I reckon he'll star.

- Graham Flynn (posted 14/11/2011 2:56:14 PM)

having difficulty spelling. a bit like reading the old membership card... where is the 40? can't find it anywhere. go bombers.!

- Margaret Dickson (posted 14/11/2011 2:59:03 PM)

Seared in the memory.. and same name too for those 40.. but what about name changers..wot they got eh..eh...Bomber for life,always have been,always will be,and amongst many other genuine ones too... "Dave Myers is a similar size to bobby dazzler, so perhpas he could make it as a champion part time ruckman?? - Margaret Dickson" .."perhpas".. too right...

- Noel Shields (posted 14/11/2011 3:28:37 PM)

what is perhpas Noel? is that some kinda weird sandwich? DM could be anything. Huge body. Big heart. Just needed a coach to believe in him. And Jimmy did last year. Now all he has to worry about is how good he can be. go for it mate, tear 2012 to pieces.

- Marc Collis (posted 14/11/2011 4:09:47 PM)

Marc, I'd say all Myers needs is to be injury free! Everyone knows he has talent.

- Davor Stanic (posted 14/11/2011 4:41:02 PM)

Wrong, Davor S - not everyone, just most of us! And it is nice to see the support he is getting here, too, but, David Myers, if you are reading this and other posts, don't!

- Kris Bayne (posted 14/11/2011 5:11:58 PM)

Margaret knows all about sandwiches (of the mixed variety) Marc.. :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 14/11/2011 5:22:21 PM)

I really felt for him in the MK era, was dropped unfairly too many times. I thought he showed a lot this year, filled in some roles down back very well. I love his booming long kicks, would love to see him more in the mid bombing it down Hurley's throat. Keep up the good work mate!

- tim j (posted 14/11/2011 6:46:12 PM)

I guess when one lacks the intellect and nous to have a decent discussion around football matters they resort to picking up typos. poor fellow. claims to be a 40 year member but the old membership card tells the true story. go bombers.!

- Bob Davies (posted 14/11/2011 6:50:42 PM)

Hi Mark E. Deliberated over the first two selections and concluded Grigg may be a "slider." Whereas, Blues or Eagles would swoop on Markworth in the right circumstances. Personally, I'd like to see both DM & MG in R&B. Alternative considerations are Ellis for #19 and Ross for #31. Also it will be a tough call to make at #19 if Kavanagh slides through. Seemingly, with #59 becoming active this is where I see the choice of a ruckman. Nothing definite until Nov24. Cheers

- Martin Gol (posted 14/11/2011 9:09:28 PM)

A injury free David will be the X-factor for the bombers and would best be suited as a mid field /ruck rover similiar role to Scott Pendlebury.Looking fwd to see a changing role in 2012 - All the best.

- John Calleja (posted 14/11/2011 9:18:08 PM)

yahhhhn... but nice to see you back bob...And the card will be saying something new in either of the next two seasons..and it won't be a name change either.. :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 14/11/2011 10:22:11 PM)

David, I wish you all the best for 2012. I've always enjoyed watching you play. You have great courage and a lot of talent. I'm sure you'll do very well in your new role in the midfield. Angie :)

- Angeline Baron (posted 14/11/2011 10:32:52 PM)

He's got enough nous to flush you out from the shadows tho Bob ha ha ha ha

- Shane Shields (posted 14/11/2011 11:00:29 PM)

Ray mate,thought you would have posted by now.. Go Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 15/11/2011 7:54:46 PM)

Dave Myers all you need to do is listen to Hirdy & co. put in the hard yards & you will become the player we all know you can be.Good luck mate keep up the good work for our mighty bombers!!!!

- John Patrick Byrne (posted 15/11/2011 9:01:55 PM)

In 2012 and beyond I can see him playing a role similar to what Wellman played - a rebounding half-back-cum-wingman. Just hope he can work on his 'engine'. Interesting comments made by Lloydy on Myers this year about his second-half endurance.

- Daisy Graham (posted 16/11/2011 10:18:38 AM)