McVeigh had a frustrating 2000 and managed just one senior game but he turned it all around in 2001, playing 23 games and being a solid contributor for the Bombers. McVeigh made his mark in the pre-season when he was thrown into some tagging roles on some quality on-ballers. It taught him much about senior football and he reaped the rewards.
McVeigh played a variety of roles during the season. He tagged, played free through the mid-field and was also pushed up forward where he was dangerous at ground level. He averaged in excess of 10 possessions per game and kicked 18 goals for the season. He won’t rest on his laurels – he has shown he is a senior footballer and he will want to further establish himself in 2002.
His pre-season has been excellent to this stage and his fitness will again see him fit into the Bombers’ mid-field rotation. He was outstanding in the club’s pre-season intra-club practice match before leaving the ground with back spasms. The injury wasn’t serious and it isn’t expected to pose problems for him during the season.
What will his role be on match day?
McVeigh has a number of strings to his bow that will enable him to play two major roles during the season. He is fit and highly skilled which will see him spend time in the mid-field in either a run-with role or standard on-ball role. He can also push forward. He is good at ground level, can also take a mark and is generally very accurate in front of goal.
What will the coaches expect on match day?
The Essendon coaching staff will want McVeigh to contribute even more in 2002. With a season under his belt they will expect him to have more confidence in his ability and really stamp himself on games. The will want discipline and a fierce approach in the mid-field and goals when he moves up forward. They know he has the ability to do both jobs very well.
