One of the big questions facing Matthew Knights for season 2010 is where he should play young star Michael Hurley.
The 193cm prospect played 10 games in 2009 as both a key-foward and key-back and impressed in both positions.
Last week we asked who will be the next Essendon captain and Jobe Watson took the honours with 52.4% of the vote from David Hille with 22.5%, Dustin Flecther 10%, Mark McVeigh 9.9%, Andrew Welsh 3.6% and 'other' 1.6%.
Here is what some of the fans had to say:
Edward Smith from Doveton says: Welsh won't be there long and McVeigh is a lost cause. Unless the alleged coach tries to earn his keep by pulling on his boots when he returns from the nonsensical and costly expedition to USA & UK Fletcher should be given the role in recognition of his fantastic contribution over the last seventeen years.
Nick Martin from Adelaide says: Hille's knee injury couldn't have come at a worst time for him as think he would have undoubtedly become the next captain. Having said that, I think Jobe would make and outstanding captain. In his one game as captain his work rate was outstanding even in light of an insipid team performance.
Mark Barden. from Jacana/Vic/Australia says: Don't ruin a true champion in the making by burdening Jobe with the captancy. David Hille has already proven himself in this role and has all the attributes required (the strength and character of the man speak for themselves.)
Damien from Vic says: Hadn't considered him, till I saw him in the poll, Dustin is the perfect man for the job! Don't put too much on Jobe's shoulders. He's still young, give it to Dustin for a year with Hille as Vice. They'll be the true leaders for the club.
Jake M from Vic says: I think David Hille would be a great captain of the club. We need someone like David to lead the younger players out onto the field week in, week out. Í'd probably include Watson and Welsh in the same class as Hille. McVeigh has had many opportunities to show us that he is ready but blown them. Dustin has been a great player and leader throughout the years, and seems like a top bloke, but, with him only possibly playing his final year next year I don't see much point. The young players need more time before being a captain. Hurley I think would make a perfect captain in coming years. GO DONS! 2010, our year!
Muffin from Victoria says: Does Paddy Ryder being on the front of the membership news feed and on the main page of the website mean anything? Mmmm, may Ryder could be next captain?
Rae from Donvale says: Jobe has shown maturity & leadership qualities far beyound his years. He would be an ideal captain who would have an experienced support network of players behind him to help guide the younger, less experienced players both on and off the field. He has already shown he is ready to step up to this position on & off the field.
R Deen from Vic says: Was never big on a full forward being captain. With that in mind I can't see a full back as captain which is a pity as Dustin is all red and black. Best spot for a captain is in the middle so Watson and Hille are the stand outs. Both can lift a side, both get plenty of the ball and both have a big ticker.
Vincent Berraud from Hughesdale, VIC says: As long as it's not Mc Veigh I should be happy.
Joseph Attard from Taylors Hill says: It's finally time for Jobe Watson to captain the Bombers, I believe he is the right man for the job and he is a ready-made leader. The other option I would look at is David Hille, but at 28 next year, I can't see him being captain.
Paul Drake from Canberra says: It has to be Jobe - great player, great character, great thinker on the field, a humble, team-oriented man with pedigree. The captaincy could really make him into a champion of the AFL and the Essendon Football Club especially.
Charlie Taylor from Bayswater, Victoria says: I think the EFC should offer it to Fletcher for all his years of great service. He may decline it, but at least offer it to him. With Hille coming back from injury & Watson needing another stand-out year & perhaps Prismall excelling next year as well, we may be better of waiting one more year for a long term captain. Fletcher would be perfect for next year and its a way to honour him for all his great years !!
Ian Carrot from Oakleigh South says: Essendon did well with a captain comming off injury in 2000. That being said, it really should be about who believes in the success of the team the most and can drive the team to replicate that belief.
Benn Cooper from Bunbury W.A says: Paddy Ryder for captain! he showed he can stand up to the plate on Anzac Day and all through the season and he stand up as captain. He would make Lloydy proud.
Rod from Melb says: What a fairy tail ending to a glorious career for Fletch. It would invigorate his final years and bestow him with an honor that he has truly earned. The guys and supporters alike love him. It would be from left field but take a punt on our most experienced player. Don't burden Jobe or Hilly with too much expectation. One has plenty of footy left the other coming back from a major knee reconstruction.
Rod Hagen from Hurstbridge, Victoria says: I have no idea who will be, but I think it SHOULD be David Hille. Jobe has more than enough pressure as the one real ""in and under"" man at present as it is. Jobe or Paddy Ryder, in the long term , though have huge potential to fill the role brilliantly in the longer term.
Kingnod from Dandenong says: David Hille deserves to be next captain. Jobe Watson is good player but hasn't done enough over Hille to take his spot. David Hille has already done a few games as captain and done good job so should be given to him.
Bill Arthur from Deloraine Tas. says: Dustin Fletcher, there has only been one better servant of the club in the last two decades, Hirdy. Dustin would fill the position with distinction, both on and off the field,a well deserved reward, if given to him, with Jobe as his deputy.
Greg Sloan from Somerville VIC says: Jobe has earned the captaincy. On field and off field he has been outstanding. A perfect fit right now. Some other worthy contenders but I think Jobe is a logical choice at this point.
Tristan from Broken Hill says: I think it should be a joint captaincy with both Jobe and David leading the way for 2010, they are both big, hard players that always lead from the front, never give up and fight to the very end. The younger boys in the team will learn alot from these 2 blokes, thier leadership qualities have already been proven as they have both played this role throughout thier careers! So come on give it to 2 very deserving players instead of 1 after all, This is Essendon.
Franco from On the move says: McVeigh has earned it over a number of years. He was quiet this year but was injured. He's still an inspiration to the team, a great leader and a top level player when fit and firing
Rita Sharrock from Hernes Oak says: Mark McVeigh for mine. He has the experience, leadership skills and the minds of the team. A very popular player with members, has been mentored by James Hird and Matthew Lloyd for this role.
Philip from Victoria says: It would be great to have Dustin Fletcher as captain but I think Jobe Watson needs to take that next step and lead this great club to a winning grand final!
