Strengths: Attitude and size are probably the to major strengths of Hunt. Post 2001 he recognised there was some hard work to be done if he was to stamp himself as a long-term senior prospect. He simply rolled the sleeves up and got the job done. And with this came improved confidence – the self belief should be strong following his finish to 2002. His size means he looks a future key position player for Essendon at either end of the ground. And as he grows in confidence this size will be used more effectively – he should be able to hurt some opposition bodies.
Position: Hunt has placed most of his VFL football in defence – it is ironic that his first kick in senior football was a goal. Hunt looks like a player who could slot into the spine in the years ahead. Full back, centre half back or centre half forward would appear the most likely options. In 2003 he is likely to slot in where he is most needed.
2003: Hunt will be desperate to ensure he continues the improvement that he showed last season. The learning curve has been steep but good players cope with it and he has done just that. The grounding is there and he will want to play more senior football in 2003. The key to Essendon’s success in 2000 was the fact that there were quality players always pushing the more established players for places in the senior team. Hunt will ensure the pressure is on in 2003.
Kevin Sheedy says: Sam was blooded at senior level in 2002 and he has worked hard over the summer to build on this start he has had. If he keeps at it, he will improve enormously. Expected to play as a tall back but he has shown he can kick a good goal on the forward line and can be an option on the wing, or can push out to centre half back. The challenge is there for Sam and so there is a chance in the team, it would free-up Sean Wellman or Dustin Fletcher or Danny Jacobs.
