Essendon has finalised its team for its season opener for 2008 with the omission of Angus Monfries the surprise selection of Round 1. Monfries has been joined by Damien Peverill and Courtney Johns as emergencies.
Monfries has played 41 games for the Bombers over the past two seasons, playing mainly as a small forward. However it has always been felt that he would develop into an inside midfielder and he has spent much of the pre-season playing that role.
It is unlikely Monfries will be missing from senior action for long but his omission is a sign of the improved depth of the Bombers and the selection pressure that is created as a result of that. Along with Monfries, Johns and Peverill names such as Jason Winderlich and Andrew Lovett have not been selected.
Impressive youngster David Myers is expected to play senior football this season while injured duo Andrew Welsh and Scott Gumbleton are also due back shortly. Those selected in the senior side can't afford to put a foot wrong.
As promised, Essendon coach Matthew Knights hasn't shied away from putting young players into the side. Bachar Houli, Sam Lonergan and Leroy Jetta among them.
