2002: There is little doubt that had Joe Misiti played every game in 2002 he would have achieved one of his lifetime ambitions – to win a Crichton Medal. Misiti finished fourth in 2002’s version of the award and that was achieved despite spending almost one third of the season sidelined with a broken wrist – it was a sensational performance. The Essendon midfield looked a far more settled unit with Misiti in the thick of the action. It was no co-incidence that he polled votes in both Essendon’s finals – he thrives on pressure.

Strengths: He just keeps getting the football! Misiti is one of those players who just keeps accumulating possessions. Many supporters are staggered to pick up the paper and see Misiti has collected another 30-odd touches. His disposal is another feature of his game – he is damaging by both foot and hand. Misiti’s endurance has also become a strength – once a weakness in his game he has worked extremely hard to now have opponents gasping for breath in pursuit of him.

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 release it to the advantage of opponents sets up many forward moves. He will also drift forward and look to make a contribution on the scoreboard.

2003: Misiti has had no luck with injury in the past two seasons – say a prayer that things go right for him in 2003. Fit and in-form, Misiti will be a key playmaker for the Bombers. His presence gives the whole side a lift and confidence can be the difference in elite sport. He will get his hands on the footy – don’t worry about that – and he just might do it enough to finally win the Crichton Medal he so richly deserves.

Kevin Sheedy says: Joey is an “evergreen” player and after the disruption of nearly being traded in 2001 had passed, he just got on with the business of doing his best for us like the true professional that he is. He did a great job before he injured his wrist and did well after he recovered. He needs to have a good year in the centre or Ramanaskus could be challenging him for his spot. I will always believe that Collingwood made a huge error in not taking him in the 2001 trade, as in the then end it appeared to me that in the 2002 Grand Final they were just one midfielder short.