Jordan Bannister surprised a few and perhaps even himself by forcing his way into the senior side in his first season at the club. The highly-skilled mid-fielder was the Bombers 47th selection at the 2000 National Draft. He didn’t explode onto the scene but once he found his feet mid-season in the VFL side he played some excellent football. He made his debut against St Kilda in round 10.
Bannister was a lightly-framed youngster in 2001 but Essendon fans will notice he has bulked up during the off-season. Bannister has spent a lot of time in the gym and physically he is beginning to look more like an AFL footballer. It was an area he needed to work on and he has addressed it.
Bannister’s running is a real strength of his game. He moves very well and with experience will put himself in the right position more and more. Season 2002 will be an exciting one for Bannister. He made giant strides in his first season and similar improvement will see him play more senior football. He is an excitable young lad and he will be jumping out of his skin come round one.
How will he be used?
Bannister will be used in a wing / half forward role in the seniors. His speed and excellent disposal will make him a very useful link player. Bannister also has the ability to take a good mark and he could bob up on occasions and kick goals.
What will the coaching staff want on match day?
Above all else the Essendon coaching staff will just want Bannister to continue his rate of improvement. On match day they will want him to create space in front of goal through his running and provide an option through the mid-field. Ten senior games would be a solid return in his second season but he is sure to have set his sights higher.
