Games: 24
Goals: 23
Kicks: 191
Marks: 106
Handballs: 104
FANS RATING: 6.5 / 10
“A gun! As consistent as ever. Always gives 100% and is a team player. Didn't get as much game time as last year, perhaps because of minor injuries?” Glenda Wilson
“Played hard again this year. Due to injuries within the team he was not able to be released up the field as a loose player like he was so succesfully in 2000/2001.” Adrian Kennedy.
“Played well this season but was quiet at times. Provided a target up forward whilst key forwards were out. Averaged a goal a game, should have had a greater influence up forward but didn't,” Pamela Sardiniaris
“Was fantastic for us when Lloyd went down by providing a target for us inside our forward 50. Really came through for us in some tough games proving he isn’t someone who performs only when we are up by plenty. One of the few in the side who has a natural aggressive streak that was such a feature of 1999 & 2000,” Mark Opar.
“Sadly underestimated by many.Can play forward and back and should always start on the ground and stay on.Always hard at the ball and gives 110%,” Steven Madiona.
“Strived to reach his best all year but was down on form from the previous seasons. Had a big workload and a lot of responsibility in the absence of fellow forwards. Over all a serviceable season,” Brendan McInnes.
“Inconsistent. Filled in for Lloyd quite well. Was a plus with his strength and hardness. Paul's versatility is also a bonus. Just seemed to fade a bit toward the season's end,” Paul Gordon.
“Terrific contributor. Courage, skills and versatility to play at both ends of the ground. Strikes me as a great team man,” Graham Flynn.
THE WASH UP
Essendon fans were in the main pleased with Paul Barnard’s efforts in 2002 saying that his attitude and team orientated football were unquestioned. They recognised the fact that the loss of Hird and Lloyd suddenly meant he was under enormous pressure and his life was made tougher with him attracting the second or third best defender. Essendon fans also liked his aggression.
MARK HARVEY SAYS:
I think Paul’s rating is a little light on to be honest because of the amount of work he does that goes unnoticed. He has had to carry the load physically – particularly with Damien Hardwick and Dean Wallis having left the club and Dean Solomon getting injured. He does a lot of hard things – bumps, blocks, runs to create space – statistically you don’t see it but he has been important. He also finished with 20 goals and probably assisted in another 20 so that is also an important contribution.
