Essendon has some exciting young talent coming through the ranks at Windy Hill both on the senior list and also the rookie list. This is the first year that the Bombers have had six rookies on its books and according to Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy it is an exciting time for the club. Sheedy is a strong advocate for the rookie list and its ability to give young players an opportunity to play AFL that can’t fit onto the senior list. Sheedy had the following comments about the six young players on the club's rookie list.

COURTNEY JOHNS
Courtney was under-18 West Australian centre half back. The bonus with Courtney is he can also play forward too. He has worked very hard to overcome an injury and in time could be a Paul Barnard / Dean Wallis type of player. The club has a good record of drafting rookies from Western Australia. Dean Rioli and Cory McGrath were both drafted from the west. We looking forward to watching Courtney’s progress.

BEN HAYNES
Ben played very well in the practice matches but unfortunately he injured his shoulder which will hold him back until the second half of the season. However, with hard work he will come back and take every opportunity offered him to get into AFL footy. What we do know about Ben is that he has fantastic foot and hand skills and has good goal kicking sense.

ADRIAN WILSON
Adrian was a very good player for South Australia in the under-18 Teal Cup team. He can play both in the centre and on the backline – and will be a good hard player for us. Adrian has great vision on the field and kicks the ball very well to give his teammates the best chance to get the ball. Given time to develop Adrian will be a good asset to the Essendon Football Club.

SCOTT HOWARD
Scott came onto the ground in the practice match at Lavington and did quite well with an impressive game in the seniors. If he is dedicated and grabs the opportunities he is given he could do well in AFL. He is a good height, has good pace and kicking skills and reads the play well. 2003 is a very important year for Scott.

TOBY MCGRATH
Unfortunately Toby was injured for half of 2002 season but he is a tough, hard at it player who can play on the halfback line or tag in the midfield. He shows the determination to make it in AFL ranks. His effort so far has been top class.

KEN HALL
Ken has worked really hard to get onto the Rookie List and has impressed with his fitness, strength and kicking ability - he could land the ball into the goal line from the midfield. Ken could play on the wing or back pocket and 2003 is an extremely important year for Ken’s AFL career.