2003
After battling injuries for the past two seasons, Misiti played 21 games in 2003. He again showed what a ball magnet he is and was integral in directing traffic in the Bombers' mid-field. At times Misiti was used sparingly last season by the coaching panel and spent more time on the bench and was used in spurts. However, he proved on many occasions that his football smarts are valuable and his ball winning abilities are second to none. In the First Elimination Final against Fremantle he notched up 18 possessions in just under a half of football.
STRENGTHS
Misiti’s ability to find the ball in heavy traffic is one of the veteran’s major strengths. Often cristicised for his lack of pace, Misiti makes up for it with his ability to find the football and is damaging with his foot and hand skills.
POSITION
There is really only one position that Misiti can play and there is nowhere else Essendon fans would rather see him – smack bang in the middle directing traffic. Misiti is an invaluable contributor in the midfield where his ability to win the hard ball and move the ball forward. He will also drift forward and look to make a contribution on the scoreboard. In 2003 with the mid-field rotations in 2003, Misiti was used in bursts off the bench – a move that proved effective.
2004
Misiti is a key playmaker for the Bombers. He is instrumental in directing traffic through the mid-field and creating forward opportunities. No doubt Misiti will be used in a similar role in 2004 where he will come on in bursts from the bench and attempt to give the team drive in the engine room. Misiti is one of the team’s most experienced players and the club will be looking for a major contribution from him this season.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Joe has answered every challenge that we have thrown at him. He has been a player that has been fairly harshly dealt with, with regard to never getting the kudos he deserves. This is probably because he doesn’t have a lot of outstanding qualities other than winning the ball – which is the one you want. You wouldn’t say he is the best mark at the club, or best handball, or best at running the ball through the midfield or a superstar kick like Nathan Buckley. But he is a very, very good player because he probably gets 75% in every area but isn’t considered a great in one or two of those areas.
Joe’s consistency of performance in ball winning has been marvelous. He has set up our midfield structure and to go back on a lower contract now, he has coped with that well. He has gone through a tough period with thinking – ""does the club really care about me."" The answer is we do, but in the end we had to say that is all we have to pay you, so that is where your career is at.
