In recent weeks Jason Laycock has been slowed down by shin soreness. Laycock has been sidelined from the team’s first two matches this season, but the fitness staff are hoping with rest he will be available to play in the coming weeks. Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy is excited at the prospect of having Laycock available for selection. ""I am really looking forward to having the five of the best tall players in the AFL. The fans don’t realise that we have been able to manipulate the draft to a point where we have got some very talented tall players back in the club,"" Sheedy said.

2003
Jason Laycock was Essendon's first draft choice at the 2002 National Draft. Laycock got his first taste of senior football in the pre-season competition. He showed good signs in these early outings, but injuries throughout the season slowed down his progress. As with all young ruckmen at Essendon, they are seen as a long-term prospect and are not rushed into senior football. With another pre-season under his belt, Laycock will continue to improve his strength and fitness and Bomber fans will see a lot more of the former Tasmanian Mariners player in years to come.

STRENGTHS
At 198cm tall, Laycock is an ideal height for a ruckman. He is agile and has a good leap on him. He needs to work on his physical strength to improve his work at stoppages. Laycock is good in the air and has no trouble taking an overhead grab.

POSITION
Laycock will only benefit from one season under his belt with the Bendigo Bombers. He knows what senior footy is all about and has worked on his rucking skills with ruck coach Simon Madden. Laycock will feature in the ruck again this season for the Bendigo Bombers, but don’t discount a senior appearance. After playing in the 2003 Wizard Cup opener, Laycock is likely to taste senior action again this season.

2004
Laycock has all the physical attributes to make it at the top level. It is up to him to put the hard work in and reap the rewards. He has the advantage of learning from some of the best ruckman in the business - All Australian ruckman Matthew Allan, rising star David Hille and ruck coach Simon Madden are all at his finger tips. Laycock needs to keep working hard on the track and the sky is the limit for the former Tassie Mariners player.

WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Jason is still settling in a little bit. He has come over from Tasmania and I think he will be a very good player for us in time. I am really looking forward to having the five of the best tall players in the AFL. The fans don’t realise that we have been able to manipulate the draft to a point where we have got some very talented tall players back in the club.