22. Jake Carlisle:
The 24-year-old struggled with personal consistency early on but found form in the latter stages of the season. Battling with a number of niggling injuries, Carlisle was used in a number of different roles at times throughout the season, as the Club attempted to deal with a growing injury list. After what was thought to be a season ending injury against Hawthorn, the defender made a return to the back line in round 18. He took 12 marks and collected 21 disposals on return. Carlisle informed the Club he would not be seeking a new contract for 2016.
23. David Myers:
David Myers absence this year revealed just how pivotal he is to the Essendon side. Myers had a strong pre-season and entered round one fit, only to suffer a serious shoulder injury in the opening minute of the first game. The 27-year-old underwent a shoulder reconstruction and spent the majority of the season on the sideline. Myer’s return to the senior side in round 20 and was damaging, collecting 22 touches and having a huge impact on the game. However, a minor back injury would see the West Australian’s day end early and he would not play another game for the season. Myers will now turn his attention to ensuring that his body is right for 2016 and returning to the senior side with a bang.
24. Alex Browne:
Coming in to 2015 Alex Browne had not played a senior game for over two years. Browne spent much of his season in the VFL working towards full fitness after a long-term knee injury. His comeback game in round 15 was hardly a fairytale, after he was concussed within minutes of the match. The 23-year-old played two more games in the senior side, with his best performance coming against Port Adelaide in round 17 where he flourished down back with 17 touches and kicked a goal. He would return to the Essendon VFL side for the finals series where he played a pivotal role before injuring his ankle late in the Preliminary Final against Williamstown. Cleared of serious damage, Browne will make a major push for more senior game time in 2016.
25. Ariel Steinberg:
Ariel Steinberg continued his development down back this season. Steinberg started his year in the VFL side averaging 20 disposals, nine marks and five rebounds in his first nine matches. The 23-year-old was elevated to the senior list for the second time in his career in round 14. The tough defender gained momentum with consistent game time playing in seven games for the season against some tough opposition. Steinberg returned to Essendon VFL where his presence and football smarts proved to be the difference on several occasions. Always willing to put his body on the line, Steinberg has shown on many occasions just what he is capable of as a defender and, with more consistent game time, he is likely to develop into a quality AFL footballer.
