As in 2003, Essendon fans were again impressed with the performance of Andrew Welsh who stood tall in the absence of more experienced players during the season. Essendon supporters loved his hardness – some comparing him to Damien Hardwick and Mark Harvey. Many saw him as a future leader.

2004

Games – 22
Goals - 1
Kicks - 244
Marks - 96
Handballs - 115

2004 Fan’s ranking: 6.91 /10

2003

Games - 22
Goals - 4
Kicks - 218
Marks - 93
Handballs - 123

2003 Fan's Rating: 7.40 /10

What some of the Essendon fans had to say:

""Welsh is gaining a reputation to match Harvey, Hardwick and Bomber Thompson...he is smart, fearless, a real team player, has great disposal, gives plenty of run from the half back and shows great leadership skills. He will be more important now with the departure of Wellman and 2005 should have Welsh as one of the best backmen in the AFL. I would not be surprised if he joins McPhee in the All Australian club next year,"" Paul Bosher.

""Awesome performance in defence...his development over this year has been very good. Nice to see him stand up in defence in the absence of Fletcher and Wellman,"" Leena Bird.

""Brave undoubtedly. Has been used effectively in defence over the last three seasons and adds good support for the half-back line. Could be a good replacement for Dustin Fletcher in the future,"" Anh Hua.

""Average season for Andrew, got sucked in far too easily on some occasions and lost on others. Still very inexperienced down back and will improve with time. His strength and tackling is exceptional and a big asset for the side. Must focus on the football not the man and do something constructive when in possession. Should be looking to improve in 2005 and become la very good running half back,"" Erin Erin.

""Welsh was great for us in 2004, he controls the backline very well and runs out of defence and has fantastic skills. He is a typical Essendon defender and more players should be playing like Andrew. He is taking big steps every year, we will be great in 2005, I am sure of it,"" Josh Little.

""Andrew Welsh is another talented player like James Hird, Matthew Lloyd and Jason Johnson as well as Mark Johnson. Have a good season in 2005. Good luck to all the boys for next year. Go Andrew. You are another one of my favourite players,"" Rachael Hawthorn.

""Played an excellent role in managing the back-line while Wellman and Fletcher were unavailable to play. A future leader of the club,"" Brock Wiseman.

""The most underrated player at Essendon. It was a pity injury niggles curtailed his later part of season. Potential All-Australian over next few years,"" Alan Betts.