Speaking to the media today, Knights said only players who delivered strong performances on the track and followed the team's game plan could expect to play senior football on a regular basis.
“I spoke to the draft picks and their parents at an induction that we had at the club on Saturday and the first thing I told them was their draft pick number was irrelevant once they came to the club. Everyone has an opportunity regardless of where they were selected,” Knights said.
“The other thing I told them is the game doesn’t know how old you are. If you understand the game plan and work hard on the track then you are there to get picked.
“It is really important for these guys that they are right in the mix. I am pushing a youth mantra and they will get an opportunity but only if they deserve that opportunity.“
Knights also supported Matthew Lloyd’s comments in the Sunday Herald Sun saying the Bombers would be aiming for a finals' berth in 2009.
“From the get go I have told the players that if you are worth your salt in this industry then you are aiming to play finals football,” Knights said.
“I can only speak on behalf of the Essendon Football Club but we are here to compete. That won’t deter what we are trying to do in the long-term with our planning, our selections and the way we want to develop players.”
