As the Bombers head to Western Australia this weekend to take on Fremantle, essendonfc.com.au has taken a look at the journey of the twelve Western Australians on the Essendon list.

#32 Travis Colyer
Recruited from Claremont
Colyer was recruited to the club at pick 26 in the 2009 Draft and has played 25 games since his debut in 2010. He had an injury stricken start to this season breaking his thumb a week before the start of the home and away season. Colyer has been playing well for Bendigo in the VFL and will be looking to push for a regular senior spot in the second half of the season.
 
#47 Cory Dell’Olio
Recruited from South Fremantle
He was rookie listed to the Bombers during the off-season as a mature aged recruit following a 57 goal season with South Fremantle in the WAFL. Dell’Olio made his debut against Carlton at the MCG and played his second game against Collingwood on ANZAC Day. Has shown impressive form when given the opportunity at AFL level and will be looking to break back into the senior side in the second half of the season.
 
#3 Scott Gumbleton
Recruited from Peel Thunder
Pick number two in the 2006 draft, Gumbleton has been struck down with injury since joining the club, having only played 22 games since debuting in 2007. After surgery at the start of the year Gumbleton has made a successful start to his recovery through VFL side Bendigo playing in the last four matches and showing strong signs including a bag of three goals against Williamstown.
 
#34 Kyle Hardingham
Recruited from East Fremantle
Hardingham was picked up at pick 7 in the 2010 Pre-Season draft and has been one of the Bombers most consistent performers so far in 2012. His huge leap and strong marking in defence along with quick running out of defence have proven an important part of the Bombers set up this season. He will be hoping to continue with his impressive form this weekend against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.
 
#26 Cale Hooker
Recruited from East Fremantle
After being picked with selection 54 in the 2007 AFL Draft, Hooker took a few years to establish himself before becoming a cornerstone of the Bombers defence in 2009 and 2010. Hamstring injuries hampered his 2011 season but he has been a consistent performer holding down the best forward each week in 2012.
 
#40 Ben Howlett
Recruited from Peel Thunder
The hard in and under midfielder has showed a great work rate since being elevated from the Bombers rookie list in 2010. In 2011 he led the club’s tackle count with 153 while this season he currently sits third in the league with 79 tackles. A consistent performer, Howlett has now played 42 consecutive game and embarks upon his 50th match at AFL level this weekend against the Dockers.
 
#7 Leroy Jetta
Recruited from South Fremantle
Pick 18 in 2006 National Draft had contemplated quitting football before coach James Hird took over at the Bombers last season after a tough start to his career. He played every game for the Bombers and kicked a career best 27 goals for the season in 2011. Once again in 2012 Jetta has played a key role in the Bombers forward line booting 15 goals in the first eleven rounds.
 
#41 Brendan Lee
Recruited from East Perth
Rookie listed to the club during the off-season, Lee has shown plenty of promise in the VFL playing for Bendigo. He came fourth in the Sandover medal last season and won the best and fairest for West Perth. Lee is a consistent performer boasting a big engine who wins plenty of inside and outside ball.
 
#23 David Myers
Recruited from Perth
Myers was recruited from Perth with pick 6 in the 2007 draft and has taken time to settle into the Essendon outfit after suffering a number of hamstring setbacks. Since making his debut in 2008 he has played 39 games, with more time spent through the midfield in the last two seasons. Myers was instrumental as the sub in the Bombers last game against Sydney and will have an important role to play against Fremantle this weekend.
 
#16 Tayte Pears
Recruited from East Perth
Pears was recruited to Essendon with 23 in the 2007 draft, and has been cruelled by injury since that start of his career. Has played 54 games since making his debut in 2008 and showed plenty of promise as a key defender alongside Hooker and Fletcher. Pears is currently on the road to recovery and will be looking to regain his spot in the Bombers back line for the second half of the 2012 season.
 
#37 Kyle Reimers
Recruited from Peel Thunder
Recruited with selection 47 in the 2006 draft Reimers has showed glimpses of his brilliance in his time at the Bombers. Last season he booted a career high eight goals against the Gold Coast but has struggled to gain a regular place in the senior team this season. Has been playing consistently good football for Bendigo in the VFL and will continue to push for senior selection as the season goes on.
 
#30 Patrick Ryder
Recruited from East Fremantle
Ryder was picked up with selection seven in the 2005 draft and has been a dominant force for Essendon sine debuting in 2006. His height and versatility make him a difficult opponent for any player to play on, along with his ability to play any number of key positions required. A few weeks ago Ryder committed to the club for the next four years and will be looking for a strong performance against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.
 
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