Sean Wellman has been voted the Bombers best defender to this stage of the year in a recent Bomberland Poll. The poll asked supporters to decide which Essendon player had been the best in defence this season, with voters choosing from Wellman, Aaron Henneman, Damien Hardwick, Mark Johnson, Dustin Fletcher and Dean Solomon. Wellman scored a whopping 52.45 percent of the votes, with many naming his multi skilled talents as his greatest asset.

Reece Freak from South Australia said: “Sean has continually given Essendon run out of the defensive 50 and consistently hits marks with his superb skills. While doing this, he is also disciplined enough to play tightly on his man.”

Martin Hasselbacher from Morley in WA said: “The man just does not get beaten. Sean Wellman – All Australian Defender, best defensive player in the best team in the country, best man afield for the 2001 AFL Grand Final!”

Mark Kane from Epping said: “Sean Wellman has been the real General of the backline this year, he has become a great leader and inspiration to all the young players who have come into the team this year. Essendon must ensure he is around in years to come – another Kevin Sheedy success story.”

Many voters were impressed with Wellman’s improving form and his ability to step up when required.

Paul Bacash from Reservoir said: “ In the absence of Fletcher and Hardwick this season through injury, Wellman has been our most dependable and solid defender this year.”

Maureen McIntosh from Baywater North said: “ Sean Wellman has always been a solid dependable player, but suddenly, this year…Wow!”