Ricky Dyson stepped up in 2009 playing every game and becoming an important player for the team with his damaging left boot. His performance in the Anzac Day win was a season highlight.

The 24-year-old's season was rewarded with a rating of 6.5/10, up from 5.3/10 in 2009. He was one of the most improved players at the club according to Bomber fans but they still want him to take another step forward in 2010.
 
 
2009
Games - 23
Goals - 8
Kicks - 266
Marks - 79
Handballs – 170

2009 Fan’s ranking 6.54/10

2008
Games - 15
Goals - 3
Kicks - 145
Marks -48
Handballs - 122

2008 Fan’s ranking 5.31/10

2007
Games - 11
Goals - 3
Kicks - 70
Marks - 29
Handballs - 69

2007 Fan’s ranking 4.31/10

2006
Games - 17
Goals - 9
Kicks - 124
Marks - 40
Handballs - 100

2006 Fan’s ranking 5.65/10

 
Here's what some of the Essendon fans had to say:

Really stepped up this year to become a consistent starter, played every game and proved his worth. Will need to become a premier midfielder of the competition next year to make up for Lovetts' absence. Overall had a good year but still room for improvement. Overall an A to A+. (Matthew Byrnes)

Anzac Day was a revelation. The day Ricky turned the corner and kick-started his career. One of the biggest improvers this year. (Daniel Mellios)

A great year. One of the leaders in contested possessions and inside 50's. Hopefully the knockers might leave him alone. Shows leadership out on the field. Well done Ricky. (David Russell)

Had a good year, has been questioned in the past but proved this year that he is up to the standard and took his disposal to another level. (Matthew Baker)

Hot & cold Ricky. Plays like an absolute star or has a shocker. Needs to be more consistent but what a great player when he is on. (Jill Cathcart)

Shows the value of persisting with players who show potential. Well on the way to becoming a key mid-fielder. Would like to see him kick more goals.(Shayne Breen)

From trade bait at the end of 2008 to a solid player in 2009, things really turned around for Ricky. Hopefully the same degree of improvement continues into 2010 and Dyson can prove his critics wrong. (Matt Milburn)

Finally showed potential that he has with more game time. Needs to start believing in his own ability. Time to take the next step and become more consistant. (Craig Schlunke)
 

Improved and was more consistent. Keep improving by the same margin as last year, and his value to the team's result will be become greater. May start to impose himself on a game more and become a genuine threat every game. (Colyn Beer)

Always been a fan, since Sheedy days, never thought he got enough game time. Certainly improved this year, hopefully can become even more potent with his long kicking and running game. (Justin Marcus)

Well done Ricky. You can hold your head up high and bask in the limited success of this new team. You have worked hard and it shows. Keep up the work rate and your efforts on the field. I look forward to seeing you play again in 2010. (Julie Quirk)