The mid-season draft pairing of Massimo D’Ambrosio and Jye Menzie is paying off for the Bombers.
Taken with the third and 18th overall selections in the 2022 mid-season draft respectively, the duo have made an impact at both ends of the ground across their two seasons in the red and black.
The glimpses of potential from Menzie’s two outings in 2022 became more realised after a full pre-season, playing 21 games in 2023 and finishing second in the Bombers’ goalkicking with 23 majors.
Establishing his role as a crafty small forward within the Dons’ system has been an enjoyable challenge for the 20-year-old, who’ll be looking to build upon his form once again this off-season.
“The bond in the forward line has really evolved this year and that’s definitely helped (find my form). I wouldn’t have been able to do that without them,” Menzie said.
“I’m definitely happy with (my performances) but the team comes before that.
“We obviously spoke about building a foundation this year and I think we took the right steps in that aspect.”
For D’Ambrosio, 2023 presented a more sporadic campaign for opportunities in the AFL side, equalling his tally from 2022 with another eight games to his name.
The rebounding defender was the substitute in four of his appearances this season, but impressed in his limited AFL action with a 27-disposal outing against the Saints, as well as a match-winning turn against the Kangaroos in round 12.
Looking ahead to another full off-season, D’Ambrosio is confident his best footy is ahead of him under Senior Coach Brad Scott.
“I’ve learnt so much (under Brad) already in such a short space of time, hopefully next year I can play a bit more AFL footy,” D’Ambrosio said.
“I feel like it was a bit of a frustrating year being in and out of the side for the majority of the season.
“It’s always hard for the coaches to pick a team but I think I’m pretty versatile, so I’m looking to improve my (positioning) around the ground to get my chance in the AFL side.”
In the wake of a disappointing finish to the team’s season, D’Ambrosio and Menzie are honing in on finding a more consistent base to work from in 2024.
“It was a disappointing end, but next year we’re onto bigger and better things. I’m really excited to get back to work with the group and see what we can do,” Menzie said.
