Games: 15
Goals: 11
Kicks: 79
Marks: 44
Handballs: 63
FANS RATING: 4.1 / 10
What some of the fans said:
“Alessio's year was pretty average. He struggles with form and also injury. Hopefully he will be back to his best for season 2003,” Cameron Ring said.
“Once again as soon as he starts playing well, injuries ruin his year. That game against Sydney was awesome and should go on next year. He has experience and I’m sure is a fantastic moral booster for the squad. A gentleman!,” John Ciccaldo said.
“Steve's year has been dissapointing. He needed to kick a few more goals when he goes forward. However his ruckwork at times has been good. With a good Pre-season behind him 2003 could be better for Steve,” Jack Hickey said.
“Disappointing. Didn't exert enough influence in the vast majority of games. Injuries did hold him back,” Mark Occhipinti said.
“Tried hard but just cant really keep up with other ruckman anymore - excluding that awesome game against Sydney when he proved that he is still a valuable player,” Michael Hennessy said.
“Although injury interrupted, a very disappointing season. Not enough marks for a guy this big and only 11 goals. The Sydney game the only real highligh,” Ross Jones said.
“Worked well at times. Is better on the footy field than Bombers Backyard!” Charlotte Curtin said.
“Didn't really get a chance this season with the big fish in. However his experience will be needed the next few years,” Matt Traveskis said.
THE WASH UP
The general consensus among Essendon fans was that Alessio had a disappointing season with injury being the major reason for his lack of influence. A number of fans pointed to his best-on-ground performance against Sydney at Stadium Australia as an example of how dominant he can be. Many said that he will be better suited playing up forward next season and limiting his time in the ruck.
MARK HARVEY SAYS:
The fan's rating is probably about right with injuries the major reason that he didn't score more highly. I think the man himself would agree with the rating. Again he had an interrupted pre-season and his achilles has bothered him for the past two to three years. It is very difficult to perform when you are not close to 100% fit in this modern competition. The fitness levels between your first and your 22nd player has closed significantly so there is nowhere to hide. Hopefully with a full pre-season we will again see the best of him.
