It has been five years since Essendon, led by skipper James Hird, conquered all on the way to their sixteenth premiership cup. Back then, the Bombers were clear flag favourites but doubts lingered over Hird's football future as he attempted to overcome career-threatening stress fractures. Fast-forward to the present day and one thing about Essendon is certain - there is no doubting James Hird!
In fact, the biggest criticism levelled at the Bombers appears to be an unhealthy reliance on star players Hird, Lloyd and Dustin Fletcher. So do Essendon have a three-man team? A quick glance at the team list should dispel that little theory.
Adam McPhee, Scott Lucas, Mark Johnson and Jason Johnson are all Crichton Medal winners. Dean Solomon, Damien Peverill and Justin Murphy all polled highly in the 2004 best and fairest count. Mark McVeigh, David Hille and Andrew Welsh continue to develop into important members of the senior side. Dean Rioli and Mark Bolton are approaching 100 game milestones and both Adam Ramanauskas and Marc Bullen were standouts in the last game of 2004.
Put all those names together and you have the makings of a very good side - one that should win more games than it loses. Then consider that no Kevin Sheedy team in twenty-five years has won less than nine games in a season - there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the year ahead.
However, one point continually raised about the Bombers concerns the development our younger players. To uphold our status as perennial finalists, Sheedy needs the next collection of 'Baby Bombers' to effectively replace names such as Misiti, Mercuri and Wellman on the team sheet.
Five New Favourites
Throughout the preseason, the coach stressed that finding four or five new players for the senior side has taken precedence over winning games in February and March. So let's take a look at which five players Sheeds hopes become regular selections in the senior side.
Kepler Bradley has impressed with his athleticism and determined efforts in defence and the ruck during the preseason. Kepler looks much stronger in the upper body and will need all his newfound strength - he will be given a key defensive post and time to make it his own.
The timing of a knee injury to Jason Laycock was unfortunate, as he seemed a certainty to line up in the opening match against Melbourne. But you can count on seeing the young ruckman/forward in the senior side when he is fit.
2004 Magarey Medallist Paul Thomas was drafted to Essendon as a ready-made senior player. His performances so far have justified this selection so expect him to debut this Saturday night and make an early impression.
The arrival of Ty Zantuck from Richmond is timely, due to the departure of defender Sean Wellman. Still only 23, Ty has experience, aggression and a point to prove - sounds like the coaches type of player!
The future is bright for both Brent Stanton and Ricky Dyson. Impressive during their first year at the club, both boys possess qualities that the senior side requires. If one of Brent or Ricky steps into a senior role this year, Kevin will be pleased - if both boys make it, even better!
Five Full Seasons
Apart from our new faces, Essendon would also benefit from injury -free seasons to a host of players who have struggled in previous years. If the following stay fit and, along with the likes of Ted Richards, Mark Alvey and Ben Haynes, create pressure for places in the side, our finals hopes will again improve.
Dean Rioli will have been top of this list for a few seasons now but for good reason - his ability to influence the outcome of a game is important to the team. If he puts it all together for a full season, the results will be spectacular.
Talent is something Damien Cupido possesses in spades, as evidenced by his 2003 season. Persistent knee trouble kept him sidelined most of last season but with a full preseason behind him, Damien has plenty to offer in front of goal.
Although he has only played eight games, Jobe Watson has shown flashes of ability and a genuine understanding of the game. If fit and healthy for all of 2005, Jobe could become a significant part of the senior line up.
The career of Aaron Henneman has been curtailed by injury and has yet to live up to the promise shown as a young defender in 2001. Aaron needs to stay healthy and play every week so he can regain confidence in his game. Hopefully he has that opportunity this season.
The progress of youngsters Joel Reynolds and Jason Winderlich has also been halted due to injury. Both are good runners with a dash of flair, though slightly built, and with the success of Stanton and Dyson last year, need to remind selectors of their capabilities.
Five Full Houses
So now the focus of all Bomber supporters turns to the MCG this Saturday night as we take on the Melbourne Demons. After that, we have a date with Carlton on, yes, April Fools Day. Here are another five matches that you simply cannot afford to miss!
Round 3 v Hawthorn is the first meeting of these two teams since 'The Brawl'. Remember the line in the sand? All the fines and suspensions? The league was furious! So furious that Essendon and Hawthorn now meet twice a year instead of once! With our record against the Hawks, that suits us just fine.
Anzac Day - enough said. But this Round 5 v Collingwood clash will be the last at the MCG in its current state and the last ever to be played in front of less than one hundred thousand fans! The venue (and state, believe it or not!) for next season's meeting is yet to be determined.
Always an eventful evening, Round 6 v Brisbane on Saturday night at the Dome should be no different. Brisbane steamrolled us in the second half last year but will the inside word from new Bomber assistant Gary O'Donnell help us turn the tables on the Lions?
An away match against the premiers is often seen as the ultimate test in football. Round 9 v Port Adelaide will be just that! Can Essendon erase the horrid memory of last season's opening round shellacking? Expect an improved performance from the last visit, at the very least.
One of only two matches on the second weekend of the split round, Round 13 v St. Kilda is also the only game in Melbourne that week. The hype will be massive, particularly if both teams are travelling well. Will St. Kilda's processes, player empowerment and KPI's be enough to beat the Bombers?
Now the preseason is over and the quest for our eighth successive finals series begins. If the Bombers can have a strong opening month, optimism will be high by the time Lloydy cracks open the plaster from his arm!
