Much rests on the broad shoulders of Steven Alessio in season 2002. With the retirement of John Barnes, Alessio becomes the Bombers’ number one ruckman. He will be well supported by veteran Paul Salmon and youngster David Hille but it is the performance of Alessio in the ruck that will be the key to mid-field success in 2002.
Alessio finished the 2001 season in fine style for the Bombers. His bulk caused problems for opposition ruckmen and he was more than useful in front of goal when pushing forward. He was named the Bombers’ Player of the Finals on Crichton Medal night. All this should see him approach this season with plenty of confidence.
Alessio has spent much of his footballing life in the shadow of those around him but he is now primed to stamp himself as a key Bomber. He is a veteran at the elite level having played in excess of 150 games and it is experience ahead of anything else that makes the difference as a ruckman. This season could be the making of Alessio. If everything goes perfectly to plan he could finish the season as a dual Premiership player.
How will he be used?
Alessio will start the majority of games in the ruck and probably spend most of each quarter there. Paul Salmon could come off the bench late in the quarter allowing Alessio to push forward. If Salmon easily slots back into AFL football, Alessio will spend more time in front of goal.
What will the coaching staff want on match day?
The coaches will want Alessio to get his hands on the football first as much as possible at centre bounces and stoppages around the ground. If he does this, life will be much easier for the Essendon on-ball division. In front of goal they will also want him to contribute – an average of two goals per game would be a fantastic return.
