When Travis Colyer’s season ended midway through 2015, Essendon’s running stocks took a sizeable blow.

There was no obvious replacement for the line-breaking West Australian, but his absence may have helped unearth another fleet-footed threat the Bombers can test opposition defences with in 2016.

In his seven VFL matches for the season, Orazio Fantasia averaged 21 possessions, four marks and three tackles per game.

He battled a thigh injury for most of the season but returned to the AFL line up for the final three games.

The recently turned 20 year old started as the sub against Gold Coast and made an immediate impact as the Bombers nearly pulled off a come from behind victory.

Fantasia finished the match with 11 disposals and two goals – including a nomination for the AFL’s Goal of the Year.

In the final home and away match of the season, Fantasia was again an influential figure.  He collected 27 possessions as the Bombers recorded a narrow win over Collingwood. 

The performance earned him a nomination for the AFL’s Rising Star award. 

With Colyer returning to full fitness, Courtenay Dempsey possibly spending more time in the forward half and the emergence of Fantasia, Essendon will have a number of speedy attacking options in 2016.