2003
It was a nervous wait at the 2003 National Draft for Bombers’ new recruit Ricky Dyson. The AFL predicted the 18-year-old would be picked up in the top, but that is not how things transpired. It was Essendon who drafted Dyson with its fourth and final selection - pick 44. Dyson joined Northern Knight’s teammate Brent Stanton at the Bombers. Essendon selected Stanton with draft pick 13.
STRENGTHS
Dyson is a speedy midfielder with an impressive left foot and has an excellent work ethic and was an All Australian Under 18 in 2003. Dyson was in the top 10% in the agility and shuttle run testing at the 2003 National Draft Camp.
POSITION
The selection of Dyson adds much needed pace to the Bombers’ midfield ranks. His leg speed and tireless work rate will be beneficial to the team. Dyson is sure to spend time in the midfield for the Bendigo Bombers this season learning how to become a top line centre player.
2004
This season will be a learning year for the draftee. He will aim to improve his physical strength and work on his football smarts. A senior debut is not out of the question for Dyson. History shows that Kevin Sheedy loves to blood young players in their first year of senior football.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Ricky Dyson was a player that was in the All Australian under-18 side last year. He is a very, very quick player and probably plays in the mould of a Michael Turner type player. He is a very good kick and over the next two years if we can train him up to what we think is needed for him to improve, then I have no doubt he could transfer from being in the top 22 players in Australia at the age of 17, to hopefully an AFL career by the time he is 21.
