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AN OPPORTUNITY AT THE BIG TIME- PART 2
In Part 2 of the Rookie series, we will take a look at what rookies have had the opportunity to play senior football and who has capitalised on this chance. Essendon will add another group of rookies to its list on December 16th at the Pre-season Draft. If history proves correct, one of those rookies is a big chance to make it onto the Bombers’ senior list in time, given they have the work ethic, talent and determination that other Essendon rookies have showed over the years.
In Part 2 of the Rookie series, we will take a look at what rookies have had the opportunity to play senior football and who has capitalised on this chance. Essendon will add another group of rookies to its list on December 16th at the Pre-season Draft. If history proves correct, one of those rookies is a big chance to make it onto the Bombers’ senior list in time, given they have the work ethic, talent and determination that other Essendon rookies have showed over the years.
ELEVATED ROOKIES 1997 Rookie Elev: Gary Moorcroft from Preston. Played 80 games with Essendon.
1998 Rookie Elev: Mark Johnson from Calder U18. Played 62 games with Essendon.
1999 Rookie Elev: Dean Riloli from South Fremantle. Played 39 games with Essendon.
2000 Rookie Elev: Cory McGrath from South Fremantle. Played 13 games with Essendon. Rookie Elev: Adam Switala from Central District. Played 0 games with Essendon.
2001 Rookie Elev: Damien Peverill from Coburg. Played 9 games with Essendon
2003 Rookie Elev: Ben Haynes from Richmond. Courtney Johns from East Fremantle
Essendon recruiting manager, Adrian Dodoro, said his three biggest success stories in his time at Essendon have come from the Rookie List. Dodoro believes that Mark Johnson, Dean Rioli and Damien Peverill are the best three draft choices he has selected.
A lot can happen in a month as the Essendon team has found out over the past four weeks. They have been pumping weights, trekking through the bush, canoeing, running, kicking footballs, swimming, riding 65km through mountainous terrain, camping under the stars for five nights and more. They have been doing this rigorous training with one goal firmly in mind - to have the best opportunity of winning the 2004 premiership.
