Having made his debut last year as a 17-year-old, Brent Stanton was the best first year player at the club, highlighted by his nomination for the National's AFL Rising Star award. Now after a second pre-season, a physically bigger Stanton will be a key ingredient in Essendon’s new look midfield.
Stanton’s speed and poise will add spark into the side but the 18-year old remains modest about his position in the team.
""I was pretty fortunate to get as many games as I did last year, and the Rising Star was just a bonus. To play AFL footy was just amazing,"" Stanton said.
""This year I just want to try and establish myself in the in the senior side and be a little more consistent. Last year in my first year I was a little bit inconsistent and if I can be more consistent and help the team out in that way would be great.""
The feeling around Windy Hill is that Stanton has a big future ahead of him and with this in mind Stanton was honoured with the number 24 guernsey following the retirement of Bomber hero Joe Misiti.
""It was a bit frightening at the start, I didn’t really know what the club was thinking,"" he said. ""But it really is a privilege to be wearing such a great number, especially Joe Misiti’s who was such a great contributor to the footy club for such a long time.""
""This is my opportunity to show Essendon that I can wear this jumper with a bit of pride."" Stanton said.
And if the pre-season is any indication the signs are all positive for Stanton’s season.
""My pre-season has been pretty solid, and I suppose my body is now adapting a bit more to it, than it may of last year. After a session now I’m not as tired and ready to back it up the next day,"" he said.
""And as a side, the guys have really come together this year and worked really hard.""
Despite the loss to Carlton on the weekend in the first competitive hit out for the season, Stanton isn’t too concerned about the result.
""It was a tough game, especially with Carlton having most of their best side out there, but it was still good because a few of the young guys still got a go, unfortunately we didn’t win, but there are a lot of positives to take out of the weekend,"" he said.
The team now head to Morwell for a practice match against the Tigers on Saturday and Stanton is one of the new brigade of Bombers Kevin Sheedy will be looking at to fill the midfield void.
""It will be strange playing there, especially coming from a game at the Dome. I played there in Under 18s."" But this game isn’t the Under 18s – Brent Stanton has made the big time.
