A consistent performer week-in, week-out this year, Brent Stanton impressed fans with his massive engine and his ability to run out a game with momentum.

Given the honour of wearing hallowed number five on his back next season, it shows that it is not only fans but also champions of the game such as Hird, who see this young man’s unlimited potential.

2005
Games – 19
Goals – 13
Kicks – 252
Handballs – 100
2005 Fan’s ranking: 7.80/10

What some of the Essendon fans had to say:

Brent has become a quality midfielder who just lacks a couple of mates to help him in the middle at the moment. He must be busting for the likes of Davey and Lovett to get in there with him. (Shaun Ellis)

Brent continues to build his position as a key midfielder and just needs to increase his work rate another 10% to move into champion status. (Jeff Hammond)

The marathon man has a big 2008 ahead of him. He needs to stay injury free in order to lead a hard-running Essendon midfield. (Nicholas McHattie)

He has had a great year and is a key part of our midfield. Brent could be a potential Brownlow Medallist if he can get all aspects of his game right. His gut-running through the middle was vital on many occasions this year and, when he missed games mid-year, we struggled big time. (Alex Fair)

His endurance and efforts to get where he needs to are first rate. Hopefully he continues to raise the bar. (Scott Illingworth)