Essendon skipper James Hird spoke passionately on Wednesday night at the Crichton Medal about the quality of the Essendon list. Hird said the team has a bright future ahead of them and hoped the club and players would be able to keep the list together as much as possible. Continuing Hird's sentiments, the news that Dean Rioli re-signed with the club earlier this week, was welcomed by all involved with Essendon. Rioli signed a new two-year deal that will see him at Windy Hill to at least the end of the 2005 season.

Rioli was drafted to Essendon as a rookie in 1998 and was elevated to the senior list at the end of 1999. He has played 72 games with the Bombers and been used in numerous on-field roles, including the mid-field and across half-back. The 25-year-old received a National Rising Star nomination in 1999 and was a member of the 2000 pre-season Premiership side.