There was a case of mistaken identity earlier this week on the Warrnambool beach. The team was doing a grueling beach session on Tuesday afternoon and onlookers were surprised at the physical size of Joel Reynolds. The 19-year-old has added five kilograms to his frame over the pre-season and he is looking fit and bulked up. The good news for Reynolds is that he has no sign of osteitis pubis that ended his season last year.

A big focus of Reynolds' pre-season was to increase his physical strength. Reynolds is already renowned for his electrifying pace and polished skills, but the added upper body strength should aid his all around game and help him hold down a place in the starting 18. In his first two years of senior football he has notched up 23 games and proved he has the talent to be an integral member of the Essendon team for years to come.