News

Stanton looking ahead to season

Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

When asked how he looks back on 2011, Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton smiles then pauses. There's many ways to answer the question, but he chooses the most composed option. "There was a few ups and a few downs in there," he says.

The quietly spoken 25-year-old has it about right. On the positives, Stanton played 21 games, averaged 25 possessions a game and finished second in the club's best and fairest, a career-high after three third-places.

But they were balanced by a period he would probably prefer to forget. In a quiet patch during the middle of the season, Stanton was jeered by Essendon fans after being subbed out of the Bombers' round eight win over West Coast at half-time.

It was later revealed Stanton was playing injured, with a cracked shoulder blade limiting his output. Stanton doesn't want to dwell on the incident, saying he had tried to block out the controversy at the time.

"I never really took too much notice of it all," Stanton told essendonfc.com.au.

"I was more so concentrating on getting the injury right and getting back to playing the footy I knew I could play. I didn't really take a hell of a lot of notice of it and that was probably the advice I was getting from most people."

Stanton doesn't use the injury as an excuse – "You put yourself out there to play and you consider yourself fit," he says – but is thankful for the public shows of support from the club's leaders, including coach James Hird and assistant Mark Thompson.

"The coaches and my teammates were fantastic in the way they supported me through that, but that's just a part of football, you go through ups and downs," he said.

"To get through that and play some consistent footy through the rest of the year was great. As long as my coaches and teammates were happy with how I was going, that was the most important thing."

Stanton's focus on playing good footy paid off. He found his rhythm, and in the second half of the year he was Essendon's standout player.

The relentless run was back. His link-up play through the middle of the ground had more conviction. He found space easier and broke free of taggers with less trouble. He was tackling with an increased ferocity and even moved forward to kick a few goals. "I was certainly enjoying my footy," he says.

Aside from his material importance to Essendon's young midfield – he and captain Jobe Watson are the most experienced members of the club's engine room – Stanton holds a developing responsibility at the club.

Famously quiet when he arrived at Essendon at the end of 2003, he has grown into his position in the leadership group. It's now an important part of the overall value headds at Essendon; that of a consistent, durable, reliable player whose off-field presence is highly regarded inside the club.

"I'm part of the leadership group now so I have to work with the older guys as well as the younger guys to try and improve this group as quick as we can," he said.

"It's been fantastic the way everyone has worked through the whole pre-season and everyone is looking to get better each day they come to the club."

This season marks Stanton's ninth at the club. In that time he has played in four finals, with the only winning final coming in 2004. In between there has been two disappointing elimination final losses, including last season's defeat at the hands of Carlton. The attitude he has seen at the club over summer, however, has Stanton confident that 2012 will see another positive step in Essendon's development.

"You learn each year that the game gets harder, quicker, tougher and faster and you've just got to really keep on adapting," he says.

"This group's open to any challenges that are being thrown at us at the moment and that's a key to hopefully keep on moving up the ladder."

Fans are welcome to contribute to the Flight Plan fundraising initiative for the new high performance facility by clicking here.

PLAYER PROFILE: Brent Stanton

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On ya Stants! Absolutely crucial to our success, whenever he has been out we have looked no where near as good as we miss his running and pressure.

- James Kerwin (posted 8/02/2012 10:26:24 AM)

Bloody disgraceful, some of the treatment offered this bloke, he has always been a great servant of our wonderful club, deserves every bit of loyalty offered by too few, a great player who goes out week after week, to give his all, so if you have nothing good to say to this great team man, then say nothing, he has earned his loyal supporters.

- Max Rodwell (posted 8/02/2012 10:32:19 AM)

This game seems to be constantly evolving to be harder & faster, agreed. Adaptability & resilience is vital. Brent true supporters do just that. Good read, well done & best of luck for a stand out 2012 for you.

- Gail Taylor (posted 8/02/2012 10:34:38 AM)

But why risk guns by playing them injured ? Is the list depth so shallow ?

- alec shiffman (posted 8/02/2012 10:56:15 AM)

"Stanton was jeered by Essendon fans after being subbed out of the Bombers' round eight win over West Coast at half-time." This article needs to be changed, i was at that game and in no way were those people real supporters. Real supporters love ya stants and never let anyone tell you otherwise. My son see's you as a hero of his and with good reason!.

- Brent Smith (posted 8/02/2012 11:11:45 AM)

I still cringe with embarrassment at the behaviour of a small section of the Bomber supporter base towards one of our champions. Mark my words you will not find one of them owning up to being in that minority when this blokes career is looked back on. keep up the great work Stants your appreciated by the majority. cheers, Paul.

- Paul Herbert (posted 8/02/2012 11:38:57 AM)

Although they are different players, this bloke is 'Mr Reliable' consistently good week in week out & a great gut runner. A few years back we had an equally consistent player who didn't get the accolades he deserved - Gary FOULDS, a 300 game player. I'm sure barring injury Stants too will reach that milestone.

- Eric Young (posted 8/02/2012 12:20:38 PM)

Unfortunately the "knockers" of Brent Stanton (many of those so called supporters sit near me at the football)wouldn't even bother to read this article. well done Brent on 2011 and hope 2012 is an even better year for you.

- ROBYN STOREY (posted 8/02/2012 12:27:22 PM)

Stant's you are a great club man and excellent player, forget the knockers and kick some blue butt in 2012!!! ;-)

- Craig Honey (posted 8/02/2012 12:45:59 PM)

Pleased he persists, he is so vital to our club, a great team player and usually gets a spot in most dream teams. Another unsung unselfish team member, Sam Lonergan very similar too...

- Joe Ferry-Gibson (posted 8/02/2012 12:51:38 PM)

I tip my beanie to this bloke for the courage and outward calmness with which he faced the disgraceful behaviour of some people last year. IF they were Essendon supporters then they are oxymorons. One silver lining in those events was the support he so rightly deserves came through on this site and directly to him. How anyone could still doubt his value to the club on and off the field is a mystery to me. Have a fantastic year, Stants!

- Kris Bayne (posted 8/02/2012 1:21:13 PM)

Cant believe this guy is still only 25. Good luck Stants, you are integral to an Essendon finals campaign.

- Leigh Harper (posted 8/02/2012 1:29:52 PM)

I have given Stanton some stick over the years but I have never questioned his work ethic. A high number of possessions don't mean much to me unless they provide positive results. As the season went on in 2011, Stanton showed his class and was in the Best 6 in most games. I wish Brent the very best in 2012.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 8/02/2012 1:33:18 PM)

Stanton your a quality player! I was at the west coast game when the crowd apparently jeered you off the field, how ever I was sitting amongst the Essendon supporters and I didn't hear any one jeering. I think the media has gone to town over this and blown it out of proportion. Did it even happen because my mates and I didn't hear it! Either way just know that your a true bomber and a bloody good one! true bomber supporters wouldn't jeer you off the field! We're a passionate crew and we always stand behind our boys! We know who our family is!

- Samuel Wilson (posted 8/02/2012 1:33:54 PM)

I have always considered Stants as a key player. He has a huge work engine. He is a good asset to this great club.

- Troy Goldner (posted 8/02/2012 1:35:28 PM)

Stanton good on you for ignoring the minority supporters(far from it)and taking heed of those that matter most like the coaching staff and your colleagues. The majority love what all of you do as players of our mighty club. Have a great year Stanton - you deserve it.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 8/02/2012 1:52:39 PM)

I can't believe this story keeps on raising it's head. Think it might be time to move on. His a good player, always has been, if he isnt, why do teams tag him? With younger guys stepping up stanton will get even better, very happy his still at bomber land

- Gerard Smith (posted 8/02/2012 2:00:05 PM)

Hmmmmm, pretty sure we were jeering at an umpiring decision??? And then a select three or four imbeciles thought it was at stants coz he was coming off at the time. And it escelated from there. Made it look bad coz the two were rolled in one. Totally agree that those few should have their memberships revoked however.......

- Marc Collis (posted 8/02/2012 2:44:23 PM)

Can't stand the poor example set (for the youngsters) by the impatient and outspoken voices online and at the games, when knocking one of their own.. Our players are someone's son,brother,boyfriend,partner...how would the abovementioned in this post feel if the roles were reversed.. Grow up,and show some dignity,loyalty,support and class,just like my Bomber Friends posting above me,and after mine... Go Stants,a lovely bloke,Terrific player and legit professional !! And Go Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 8/02/2012 3:22:01 PM)

As good to hear you kept your chin up as it was bad to hear us chastising our own. I believe the saying goes 'united we stand, divided we fall', so no room for that nonsense.

- Duncan Eastey (posted 8/02/2012 4:05:15 PM)

I tend to agree with you Marc, I was at the game and I was never that sure that the jeering was directed at Stants. But that said, he has always copped way too much from a vocal few idiots. Hopefully a point has been made and he gets his due respect from now on, and we can leave that episode far behind. The guy is one of our best, without doubt

- tim j (posted 8/02/2012 4:26:49 PM)

ahahahaha my insides are killin me

- Leslie Behan (posted 8/02/2012 5:12:38 PM)

Well done Stants, you a crucial part to our team and we value you very much. Well done Champion and good luck this year

- Rolf Buchner (posted 8/02/2012 5:16:01 PM)

Anyone who knows anything about football knows Brent Stanton is a 100% GUN!

- Toryn Kasa (posted 8/02/2012 5:49:22 PM)

Quality player, quality leader, quality bloke!

- Graham Flynn (posted 8/02/2012 7:01:15 PM)

Best wishes for a robust body and the demonstration of consistent quality football throughout 2012, Brent. The proof is in the pudding, my son, so show the doubters what you're made of.

- Jennifer Herrald (posted 8/02/2012 7:01:41 PM)

I wrote on the website after the game,I was appalled at many of the supporters.Samuel and Marc,I was at the game and can tell you some supporters did jeer him and kept bagging him while on the sidelines.I came home utterly disgusted as my family with me were.I also wrote the ones jeering him,if they noticed he was running with his arm tightly tucked into his side.I could clearly see he was injured but those moorons could not.Stanton can stand beside Fletcher and be as proud of what he has done for this footy club.Well done Stanton.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 8/02/2012 7:14:27 PM)

Well said Samuel,Noel,Max & Kris. Stants "The Running Man" who is running as hard at the end of the game as he was at the start.I will never jeer one of our players as they pull on the jumper to represent this great club!!Good luck Brent we are very lucky to have you at the Bombers!!!!

- John Patrick Byrne (posted 8/02/2012 9:08:09 PM)

I beleive the club could keep the media better informed on a player's situation such as Stant's on last years subbing to avoid the player copping so much flak.

- barry hoskin (posted 8/02/2012 9:20:48 PM)

Max R. & Kris B. agree entirely. Stants. can turn a game with his classy play.He is well marked every game as the oppn. know he is a danger to them. Stants. you have massive support from Bomber fans, & we need you there each week. Go hard, & stay injury free old mate.

- Graeme Coad (posted 8/02/2012 9:28:49 PM)

I reckon we can win the flag this year, I have seen enough over the past couple of years to think we can really give it a shake this year. Stants you are a gun mate. I know you will bust your gut week in week out. Cant wait, the year of the Bomber.

- Simon Taylor (posted 8/02/2012 10:28:54 PM)

Brent has been a consistently very good player for several years, and he makes playing very well at AFL level look much easier than it actually is.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 8/02/2012 11:07:03 PM)

Looking fwd to see another consistant year in the midfield / half fwd and Please pass on birthday greetings to Jobe ...

- John Calleja (posted 8/02/2012 11:28:29 PM)

On ya Stants, You are elite and vital to our team. Lead us to our next premiership

- Michael Lendvai (posted 8/02/2012 11:29:28 PM)

Stants is a gun. Look forward to another great season - hopefully fully fit the whole way through. Very important player.

- Ian Harrop (posted 9/02/2012 1:02:07 AM)

Yes they were jeering at Stants, i hear Essendon supporters bagging him at every game, sadly they see the one in over 25 possessions where he makes a mistake and focus on that. They forget the other 24 and the work he does behind play, Stants, i always have your back and give them a mouthful, the rest of us are in Awe of your Sheer determination and hard work. Keep rockin !

- daniel stubbs (posted 9/02/2012 3:46:17 AM)

Good on ya Stants! People really do underestimate what professional athletes go through just to represent their colours. Look forward to seeing you at your hard running, tough best! Best of luck for 2012!

- sean carville (posted 9/02/2012 6:58:46 AM)

The last half of last season was much better by Stanton than previous. Quality possessions is what it's all about not quantity. Good decision making. Lets have lots of that this season Stants.

- Michael Walters (posted 9/02/2012 9:51:17 AM)

Agree with you Brent Smith that this issue was overblown at the time (I was also at the game) and it has provoked much angst amongst the majority of fans who appreciate Brent Stanton's quality as both a footballer and a leader within the club.

- Dennis Green (posted 9/02/2012 11:54:27 AM)

Brent Stanton has been the bombers most consistent player since pulling on the famous no 5 jumper and has done it proud. Unfortunately I can't attend games as am living in Indonesia but have been shocked and bewildered by the continuous reports of disgraceful behaviour of a small section of bomber "supporters". Photos of these imbeciles should be posted on this website for all to see and let the rest of the bomber community vent their disgust at them both online and at future games. Stants is a real goer and true bomber and at times has held the team together single-handedly. We need more like him and less like those bloody moron supporters. Good luck Brent

- john watson (posted 9/02/2012 3:28:15 PM)

In our top three every week.

- Luke Smith (posted 9/02/2012 6:03:09 PM)

I cannot comment on Stanton's treatment at the game as I wasn't there. I can, however comment on his treatmnt at times on this forum. For a long time Brent bore the brunt of supporter frustration expressed by people claiming to be Essendon supporters, but seemed a long way from that. Brent deserves every honour and accolade sent his way as well as our respect and trust.

- Wesley Hull (posted 9/02/2012 11:49:59 PM)

I think he should be Captain.

- Brent Stantons Mum (posted 10/02/2012 3:54:27 PM)

Spot on, Wes H, for a few years there it was like Duck Hunting Season - both abhorrent, and both targets defenceless. But, it didn't happen this year, so I guess the gooses have finally realised.

- Kris Bayne (posted 10/02/2012 8:45:10 PM)