This week's club poll floats the question about who you would prefer to see played in Essendon's 2009 NAB Cup campaign - the best team available or lots of 'kids'.
 
Now that Essendon's season opener is just over three weeks away it is a question that could cause some debate: Should the club go for early winning glory or give the young players of the future a taste of senior footy?
 
 
In last week’s poll we asked who is the Bomber most likely to win the 2009 Rising Star award and David Myers was the popular pick by voters (36.41%) but only by a small margin from Scott Gumbleton (35.92%). Jay Neagle was third (11.65%) from Michael Hurley (9.47%) with Tayte Pears (4.13%) and ‘other’ (2.43%) rounding out the placings.
 
Here is what some of the fans had to say:

Malcolm from Melbourne says: Gumbleton has to get on the field first let alone trying to win the rising star. Maybe we should have a poll on who the first Essendon player will be injured in 2009?

Jan Di Pietro from USA says: I hope so much that Neagle and Gumbleton have full seasons.... but in his second year, I think that David Myers will show his X Factor and catch the eye of the judges. I can tell he has something special to offer all around the ground.

Joseph Attard from Taylors Hill says: Although I am a fan of Hurley, I think if Gumby can keep it all together and stay injury-free, he will easily win the award.

Emily Paton from Hobart says: I really think Neagle will be a gun and I hope 09 will be his season to stand up and show the comp what he can do. He looked good last year but let the defenders lead him under the ball too often. What a great opportunity to learn from Lloydy while he's still around. Looking for a HUGE year Jay!

Adrian Reynolds from North Haven/SA/Australia says: Scott Gumbleton has been very hungry to shine for far too long. He has been very unlucky with injuries that have held him back. Now with our new fitness coaching staff and his determination to get back close to 100%, he can clearly see the need for his size and talent up forward. I think he is ready to learn to dominate in our forward line! Move aside Buddy.

Alan McCready from Melton Sth. Victoria says: If Gumbleton stays fit he will show everyone why he was picked at number two. He is an absolute markologist! I look forward to seeing Gumby and Locky Hansen of North having some great battles!

Pete from Essendon says: We have to be realistic about who is the best chance to win - generally the winners need to play most of the season and Myers definitely fits the bill