Laverde was a reborn player in 2021, putting recent injury issues aside to thrive under new coach Ben Rutten. Reinvented as a defender, his ability to read the ball in flight and break up play was a feature in a season where he didn’t miss a game and became a crucial part of Essendon’s defence. His confidence in the new position grew as the season unfolded, and he should only get better in 2022.

Club awards: McCracken Medal (2021), Most Improved Player (2021)