The countdown to season 2002 is on in earnest with the Wizard Cup competition now in full swing. In our continuing Engine Room series we look at the senior listed players and pin-point their roles in the upcoming season. Today we take a look at ANDREW WELSH. Hard at it and very determined, Andrew Welsh looks a player of the future for the Bombers. He might have been the Bombers' fourth and final selection in the 2001 draft but he is as close as any to being ready for senior selection. A hard worker, he doesn't want to let his chance at AFL level pass him by.

Welsh was the Vic. Metro vice-captain at last year's national under 18 carnival and he captained the Calder Cannons to the premiership on Grand Final day. He is very disciplined and if he is given a job to do you can generally bank on it getting done. He has been compared in some circles to Dean Solomon at the same age.

What will his role be on match day?

Welsh played his junior football as a mid-fielder but he may be given time to settle into senior football on a half back flank. He will be given similar roles to the likes of Justin Blumfield and Chris Heffernan who learned the trade in a similar way. He will spend time in the middle as well - perhaps in a run-with role.

What will the coaches expect on match day?

The coaching staff will want Welsh to do the jobs given to him - to keep opposition forwards or mid-fielders quiet. They will also expect him to work hard the other way and find enough of the football to set up some attacking moves. If he does all these things well at VFL level - he may push for senior selection later in the season.