Brent Stanton is only 18 and the youngest player on the Essendon list. In his five senior appearances this season he has shown great promise. Against the Brisbane Lions in Round 12, he provided run through the midfield and collected 12 possessions in just under one half of football.

His confidence to take on opponents and run through the lines is something that stands out in his game. These attributes are exciting many around Windy Hill, including assistant coach Mark Harvey.

Stanton has the opportunity to make a name for himself in 2004 as one of the most exciting young midfielders at the club. We got Harvey to speak about the former Northern Knights player.

Q. Is Stanton a player who can make an impression in the second half of the season?
A. He covers the ground that is required of a senior player and he is only 18. His ability to carry the ball and draw opponents to him is something we are looking at and something the midfield needs in the coming weeks.

Q. What attributes of his game can help the club challenge for a top four position?
A. As I have said before, he has a great feel for the game. The one thing we really think would make a difference in the second half of the year is his ability to use his disposals better. He has just got to get his finishing done a bit better that’s all.

Q. He looks very confident for an 18-year-old. The form he showed against the Brisbane Lions proved that. Is he more likely than others to play in the second half of the season?
A. When you play well against top sides like the Lions that’s when you certainly know when a kid is evolving and that was the most pleasing part from his season so far I think. I would think he has a good a chance as anyone in the next nine rounds.