2003
After struggling to break in to the senior side, Marc Bullen took the courageous approach of asking the coaches what he needed to do to get a game. The coaches told him he needed to work on certain aspects of his training approach and game style and two weeks later he found himself in the side. Bullen played 16 games in 2003 and became a regular contributor to the Bombers mid-field. He was rewarded with a National Rising Star nomination in round 19 and showed potential that he will become an integral member of the Essendon side for years to come.
STRENGTHS
Bullen has the ability to find the football and his ball handling skills are a standout feature of his game. Bullen also has excellent endurance that enables him to spend long periods in the midfield. Tackling is also a feature of the 21-year-olds game – he laid 50 in the 16 games he played in 2003.
POSITION
Bullen is a genuine midfielder and that is where he will play all his football. He finds the football, is hard at it and does good things with it when he gets it. Bullen shed several kilograms and added much needed pace to his game last season and proved that he is serious about making it at the elite level. If the 21-year-old is to become a premier mid-fielder in the competition he needs to further improve his fitness this season.
2004
Bullen laid the foundations last season for a big 2004. He has proven that he can match it with some of the best midfielders in the competition, now is his chance to become a regular contributor in the Bombers’ engine room. Bullen needs to improve the attacking side of his game and ensure he is a regular contributor on the scoreboard. The opportunity is there for Bullen to become a top line centre player – it depends on how much he wants it.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Marc Bullen is in fantastic physical shape. He is player whose attitude has really lifted in the last 12 months who wants to be a regular senior player. In many ways he is not unlike Jason Johnson at a younger age. He is a player that is desperate and hungry for success and we need those type of players in our team. If he keeps working at the rate that he is, I hold no reason why he won’t have a good strong career at Essendon.
The Bombers are sure to be force in 2004 and Marc Bullen will be part of the team. Show your support and purchase a 2004 Essendon membership. Click here for more information about how you can join the red and black team.
