As Essendon and the other AFL clubs head into trade week there has already been plenty of speculation about which players are on the move and who will be looking to secure a new football home in 2010.
Speedy midfielder Andrew Lovett has requested a trade from Essendon which will provide the Bombers with potential trade options and then there are several big names from interstate teams looking to return to Melbourne.
In this week’s poll we ask which player you most want traded to Essendon? To vote in this week’s poll click here
Click here to watch the Essendon players practice their routine for The Footy Show Grand Final episode. Don't forget to bid on Scott Lucas' 2009 playing jumper and other great memorabilia by simply clicking here.
In last week’s poll we asked if you would give Essendon a 'pass' or 'fail' for season 2009 and an overwhelming 91.56% of people voted the season as a 'pass' and only 8.44% of people voted it to be a 'fail'.
Here’s what some of the fans had to say:
Pando from North Sydney says: When you lose more than you win, haven't played finals in 5 years, you expect the ratio to be over 50%. Fingers crossed for next year, but how patient do we need to be?
Daniel Waight from Aireys Inlet, Vic says: We made the finals for the first time since 2004, how can that be a failure? The emergence of players such as Michael Hurley and Tayte Pears has been terrific and we will be much better for the experience that they have gained. There is a lot to look forward to in the next few years at Essendon.
Matt Garratt from Wodonga says: If the group took valuable lessons away from this season then it's a pass. Although Adelaide handed out a smashing in the first final I think the first year players can learn a hell of a lot from the experience. I few players need a full pre-season and with Hille back and firing will free up a very dangerous Paddy Ryder. Expect to see finals again next year.
Glen Forster from Queensland says: This year I thought was a great year compared to the last few years. There has been many players discovered that I feel have/will make an impact in the coming years. Matthew Knights is showing that his coaching skills are starting to be noticed & I feel many Essendon supporters will agree, were very sceptical of Knights taking over from Sheedy as they were HUGE shoes to fill and let’s face it Knights would have been more than aware of that. Well done to Matthew Knights. As far as the new talent goes and also the style of football we are now playing we will see more results in the coming seasons.
Andrew from Oak Park says: Season 2009 has to be a pass because the club is ahead of schedule. I don't think too many thought we would make finals this year and we have unearthed and developed some quality youngsters. Would've been nice to win more than lose, and those woeful games against Richmond, Fremantle, West Coast and North Melbourne- must not happen in 2010.
Matt Milburn from Gladstone Park says: Knights said he could take Essendon to the top 8 this year and he did, we had break out performances from several youngsters and more seasoned players reinvented themselves. Let's see if we PASS the post-season review and get rid of dead wood and continue to groom the stars of Essendon's future.
Graham K from Melbourne says: A good season for learning; we are heading in the right direction, but need to be more consistent in our endeavours to match it with the best to make an impact during finals next year
Christopher Burke from Vic says: This year was a success for the Bombers. Last November, footy experts tipped us to be bottom four and we were third last favourite to win the flag. We are one of the youngest sides in the comp meaning we still have a year or two of maturing left which will fix our problem of inconsistency. Beating the reigning premiers twice, the Pies on Anzac day, the Blues twice and the undefeated Saints I think that just showed how much potential we have. Everyone is saying that we are the most exciting young team around. We are heading the in the right direction and we will get there. As stated by the great Kevin Sheedy, Matthew Knights has done a damn good job. He got us into the finals in his second year and we faced an impossible task in Adelaide. Despite the hammering we copped, it will make us stronger come 2010. We will only get better, with Hille, Laycock and Gumbleton due to return next year. Go Bombers!
Joseph Attard from Taylors Hill says: Passed with flying colours! Our goal was to make the eight and get into double digits in the wins/losses section, and we did. Next year I want to see less injuries and a positive attitude when going interstate, we seem to get smashed interstate against Fremantle and West Coast then beat St. Kilda and Hawthorn?
Brett from Richmond says: Bombers need to learn to win outside of Melbourne; otherwise it has been a really positive year.
Eva Jenkins from Montrose says: This season all our young players have stood out like Ryder and Hurley. I can’t wait to see our team in three years or so I think we have a premiership coming up!
Jake M from Victoria says: 2009 was a pass in my eyes. Our season was hindered when Hille went out early on, but seeing Ryder in the ruck as our main ruckman was great. All the young players stepping up in games like the St Kilda game was fantastic. Next year is going to be big!
Nick from Mount Waverley says: At the start of the season we were expected to finish at the bottom. Now we have a game style and some terrific youngsters to take us to the future.
