After 13 rounds of the 2004 AFL season the Bombers are sixth on the ladder. The final nine rounds of the home and away season will make or break the Bombers’ chances of having an impact come finals time. Finish in the top four and the club is a big chance of playing on that last Saturday in September. Finish outside the top four and the chances of premiership success will be difficult.

Just who are the players that are going to lift the Essendon side to success in September? Coach Kevin Sheedy can count on the likes of James Hird, Matthew Lloyd, Mark and Jason Johnson to lift when the pressure rises, but what about the new wave of Bomber hopefuls? Is 2004 just work experience or are the second tier players, new and old, ready to make an impact on Essendon’s tilt at a 17^th title?

The Engine Room is currently scrutinising the impact these players may or may not have on the remainder of the season. The Essendon coaching staff has given their thoughts on whether this batch of Bombers are good enough in 2004. The first player looked at is Ricky Dyson.

Ricky Dyson
Dyson made his senior debut in that unforgettable last gasp victory over West Coast in Round 3. He has played six games for the season and has looked more than comfortable in the big time having kicked four goals in his time on the paddock. At 19, Dyson represents the future of the Essendon midfield and his spearing left foot passes are a delight for the Bomber attack, spearheaded by Matthew Lloyd.

Dyson has played some quality football for the Bendigo Bombers in recent weeks. His speed and polished finishing skills make him a delight to watch. The remainder of 2004 gives the talented youngster a chance to cement his place in the senior line-up.

We asked Assistant Coach Mark Harvey to comment on Dyson’s chances of featuring in the remainder of the season.

Q. Is Dyson a player who can make an impression in the second half of the season?
A. I certainly think that Ricky can have an impact in the second half of the season. He has played six senior games and has never let himself down.

He is the sort of young player that Kevin Sheedy is looking to add to our midfield after the break. He’s got that youth and exuberance and that leg speed that we need at the moment in our midfield rotations.

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