Senior coach Ben Rutten says Ben Hobbs’ ability to add a new string to his bow in his short time at the club has helped the No.13 draft pick earn an AFL debut.
Hobbs will on Sunday become the Bombers’ fourth debutant of the season, having been promoted to Rutten’s starting 22 after averaging 23 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles across his two VFL games.
Despite his prowess as a ball-winning midfielder, the 18-year-old could offer Rutten another option in attacking 50 against the Dockers.
“He’s displayed some really strong form in the VFL and has been able to spend a little bit more time forward in training as well, which has helped his chances of playing,” Rutten said.
“We know he’s going to be a good inside ball-winner for the future for us, but he might spend a bit of time as a forward as well.”
Hobbs joins fellow youngster Nik Cox as inclusions for round five, with injured forward Will Snelling and omitted pair Brayden Ham and Tex Wanganeen making way.
Rutten said Ham and Wanganeen needed to build their confidence in the VFL.
“Ham is lacking a bit of form and just needs to get back to playing at his best and regain some confidence in the VFL,” he said.
“It’s similar for Wanganeen. He’s had a couple of games at AFL level, which has been a bit earlier than we all expected. He’s shown some good things in his couple of games, but he’ll go back to the VFL, get some confidence and continue to learn the game. He’s a pretty inexperienced player at this part of his journey.”
The Bombers will look to back up last week’s win over Adelaide against a resurgent Fremantle, which entered round five in third position.
Rutten said his side was under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“They’re 3-1 and playing some pretty good footy. They’ve got a pretty fit and healthy list and have had stability over the first four weeks,” he said.
“They have exciting players around the ball, speed ahead of the ball, and their backline is pretty stable and intercepting the ball well. They’re a pretty well rounded team, even though they’re young. They’re building confidence and belief in their game.”
Sunday’s clash will see both senior coaches return to the helm for their respective sides, with Blake Caracella replacing Rutten last week and Jaymie Graham stepping in for Justin Longmuir over the past two games (both due to AFL health and safety protocols).
Rutten said he was proud of the way his assistants and players handled the situation.
“It was a bit different, that’s for sure. All the assistant coaches stepped up throughout the week and were able to share the load, and I had confidence in them,” he said.
“It’s certainly good to be back. The last five minutes got a bit hairy at home, and I was on the edge of my seat, but I was really pleased with the way the boys were able to finish the game off. It was an important game for our club and our group, and the guys got the job done.”
Essendon will face Fremantle from 4:40pm at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. Click here to purchase tickets.
