Centre half forward is considered by many as the most difficult position to play on the football field. Essendon is fortunate at the moment that it has a number of proven players on its list who can hold down the role - James Hird, Scott Lucas, Danny Jacobs, Mark Bolton and Matthew Lloyd. And let's not forget the promising youngsters - Sam Hunt, Ted Richards and David Hille, who are also capable of playing at centre half forward. This week's Orange Poll asked who you thought should play centre half forward in 2003. It was a close contest, with BomberLand users narrowly voting Jacobs as the ideal choice to play centre half forward next season.

Jacobs polled 25.30% of the votes, nudging out the skipper by 0.60%. Despite playing the majority of 2002 in the backline, Bolton was the other main preference to play centre half forward, polling 19.66% of the votes. Lucas also polled well (14.87%) but it would appear most fans are keen to see him settle at centre half back in 2003. It was also clear that Bomber fan's want Lloyd to stay at full forward - he only polled 6.67% of the votes. The remaining 8.72% of votes was given to another player filling the centre half forward position.

This is what some of the Bomber fan's had to say:

""I think either Danny Jacobs or Mark Bolton are ready for the next step and the added responsibility of playing at Centre Half Forward. Both are good strong marking options and either would compliment Matthew Lloyd up forward. Leave James Hird free to play on the ball or as a loose man around the ground. That is let James play his natural game and don't tie him down to the CHF position, no player in the league has greater football nous. Matthew Lloyd should be left at full forward - if it works don't try to fix it. Scott Lucas was a revelation at centre half back through the latter part of the 2002 season. In season 2003 he should be given the opportunity to provide the backbone for a defensive outfit that has the potential of being the most feared in the AFL.""

""I think Lucas will spend more time there than anyone, but I would think the position will be rotated.""

""I think that Hird should be at centre half forward because he's excellent at driving the bombers into attack!""

""I think Bolton will make a good centre half forward. and when necessary can swap positions with Lucas down back... al is looking good!""

""Lloyd is a natural centre half forward who has done a great job, up until 2002, at full forward. However he was regularly double and tripled teamed in 2002 and was less effective. Double teaming is harder to do at centre half forward. Hird should not play in a key position because opposition teams will continue to target his head. Lucas's run and kicking from centre half back can set up many moves. Danny Jacobs can mark in a pack so can hold down full-forward, and with his quick hands he can feed out the ball to crumbers.""