The emergence of Jye Caldwell has added a new dimension to Essendon’s midfield in 2024.
After a few injury-riddled campaigns early in the career of 2018's pick No.11, Caldwell's relished an uninterrupted run in the last two seasons and is now truly showing his capability as a contested and clutch performer.
In a similar vein to Darcy Parish a few seasons ago and fellow on-ball bull Sam Durham this year, the added opportunity and exposure at centre bounce attendances have seen Caldwell take his game to another level.
Defensively, Caldwell has elevated to become one of the best ‘grunt’ players in the competition this season. He’s currently ranked fifth in the AFL for total tackles (with 128) after 19 rounds and sixth among midfielders for tackles inside 50.
Caldwell’s registered 10 or more tackles on five separate occasions this year, including season-highs of 12 against Geelong and Melbourne which highlighted his ability to stand up in difficult conditions and heap on the pressure.
He currently ranks first at the club in stoppage clearances, second in pressure acts (only behind skipper Zach Merrett), and fourth in total disposals.
The 23-year-old’s always had an eye for big moments in front of goal and he’s kept that knack up this year, slotting a crucial late goal from outside 50 in the round 18 win over the Pies, a night that also ended with 30 touches and eight clearances.
Rewarded for his stellar form, Caldwell took home Liberty's Player of the Month award in June after averaging 26 touches per game between rounds 13-16.
Capitalising on momentum out of stoppages is paramount in today's game and Caldwell knows how to sieze those moments - a late goal on the run in round 15's win over West Coast effectively iced the contest and he again brought the Marvel Stadium crowd to its feet with a composed finish in the third-quarter burst against the Crows last week.
Caldwell’s on track to easily clear career-high averages in every major statistical category this season with five home-and-away games to play and could be set to poll well in the Crichton Medal alongside midfield partners Merrett and Durham.
In a midfield mix that’s evolved through different looks this season with experienced heads like Parish and Dylan Shiel rotating through at different stages, Caldwell’s production as a permanent fixture in the clearance setup has been a major highlight of the Bombers’ campaign to date.
Caldwell will look to continue his good work when the Dons take on the Saints under the roof at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
