In the late 90's Essendon was criticised by some as being 'soft' and not having enough aggressive players in its team. In the 1996 and 1997 National draft, the club solved the toughness issue by drafting Jason Johnson (1996) and Dean Solomon (1997). Both players have won the highly regarded - Most Courageous Award, Johnson in the 2000 premiership year and Solomon in the following season.

1996

ESSENDON’S SELECTIONS:
Draft selection: 2, Chris Heffernan from Geelong U18. Played 97 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 5, Daniel McAlister from Tasmania U18. Played 6 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 21, Tim Williams from East Perth. Played 0 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 25, Andrew Bomford from Sydney Reserves. Played 13 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 28, Jason Johnson from Calder U18. Played 110 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 54, Matthew Watson from Essendon Reserves. Played 1 game with Essendon.
Draft selection: 66, Paul Hills from Essendon. Played 0 games with Essendon.

TOP 10:
1. Michael S. Gardiner – West Coast Eagles
2. Chris Heffernan – Essendon
3. Rory Hilton - Brisbane
4. Mark Kinnear - Sydney
5.Daniel McAlister - Essendon
6. John Rombotis – Port Adelaide
7. Bowen Lockwood – Port Adelaide
8. Leigh Brockman - Geelong
9. Mark Harwood – Port Adelaide
10. Nathan G. Brown - Footscray

BOMBERS’ SUCCESS STORY:
Draft selection: 28, Jason Johnson – Played 110 from 1997 –
EFC Honours:
2000 Premiership, Best and Fairest 2001, Runner-up Best and Fairest 2002, Most Courageous Player 2000, Best Finals Player 2002.
Other Honours:
AFL Rising Star Nominee 1998, Australian Rules International representative 2001, All-Australian 2001.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Draft selection: 10, Nathan Brown – Footscray

YEAR: 1997

ESSENDON’S SELECTIONS:
Draft selection: 4, Mark Bolton from Eastern U18. Played 59 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 20, Dean Solomon from Bendigo U18. Played 99 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 36, Judd Lalich from East Perth. Played 17 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 52, Jordon Doering from Bendigo U18. Played 0 games with Essendon.
Draft selection: 68, Simon Eastaugh from Norwood. Played 17 games with Essendon.

TOP 10:
1. Travis Johnstone - Melbourne
2. Brad Ottens - Richmond
3. Trent Croad - Hawthorn
4. Mark Bolton - Essendon
5. Luke Power - Brisbane
6. James Walker - Fremantle
7. Kris Massie - Carlton
8. Chris Tarrant - Collingwood
9. Chad Cornes – Port Adelaide
10. Shane O’Bree - Brisbane

BOMBERS’ SUCCESS STORY
Draft selection: 20, Dean Solomon – Played 99 games from 1998 –
EFC Honours:
2000 Premiership team, Most Courageous 2001.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY:
Draft selection: 8, Chris Tarrant – Collingwood.