Aaron Henneman received a mixed report card from the Essendon fans. Some believed Henneman is not suited to the ruck position and should be used as a key defender or forward line player. Others felt that Henneman should be used as a second ruck option to David Hille, but just needs more senior experience to further improve his skills. The one factor that most agreed on is that Henneman has had an unfortunate run with injuries and he needs a solid and injury free pre-season to set him up for a big 2004. Henneman received an overall rating of 4.2/10 from the fans.

2003 Games 6
2003 Goals 1
Kicks 12
Marks 6
Handballs 15

Fan’s ranking: 4.2/10

Robert Shaw’s comments:
Aaron has all the qualities we want - he is a powerful forward, a backline player and even though it was reasonably unsuccessful, he can also play as a back-up ruckman because of his big spring. Aaron hasn't been consistent with injury or form for two years, after his 19 game performance in 2001. It is totally about Aaron taking his fitness to the next level and he has got no better inspiration provided from players like Damien Peverill and Mark Bolton. It will once again depend on how fit Aaron wants to become to how well he plays because size and ability is unquestioned.

What some of the Essendon fan’s had to say about Henneman’s season:
I think Henneman going to be a great player, but not as a ruckman. He doesn't play well when his in the ruck and in the Port Adelaide match he gave away a lot of free kicks. He should be played at Centre Half Forward or at Centre Half Back. Gerard O’Shea

Aaron again has had an injury interrupted season. He did still manage to play seniors towards the latter part of the season and was handy in some games. Hopefully he can improve on his rucking skills and versatility around the ground. I believe he can be a very dominant player in years to come. Glenn Currie

Minimal opportunities and struggled with the pace of the game after extended lay-off. Still has something to offer. Nic Kerr

Considering Aaron was returning from injury, he showed a lot of talent when he played. It will be great to see him develop further in 2004 and provide the team with a reliable second ruck option. Andrew Jones

Played well in the games he played but there is still room for improvement. Hopefully can have an injury free 2004 and cement a senior spot for himself. Steven McNaught

Aaron Henneman needs to get a full pre-season and injury-free season before he can be fairly evaluated. I believe that he is better suited in a key position role as a strong marking player. He also perhaps needs to be aware of giving away silly free kicks if he does play in the ruck (ie v Collingwood rd 22). Gordon Lee

Injuries are a player's nightmare but we can only judge on what happens when the opportunity arises. Time is running out for Aaron to prove that he can make it though his size is a big asset so maybe it's worth being patient. Angela Standen

I think Aaron just needs a little more time in the ruck/roving position so that he can develop a better feel for it. With an injury free 2004 I'm sure he will continue to improve. Philip King