Essendon’s Nick Bryan and Saad El-Hawli have been named in the final side for the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Team of the Year.
The AFL-listed pairing were key contributors this season, with Bryan featuring in 14 VFL games and producing dominant form, while El-Hawli split his campaign with eight games at the Bullants prior to joining the Bombers mid-season, where he played a further four games.
Named as the side’s starting ruck, Bryan averaged 40 hit-outs and 17 disposals per game over the course of the year, highlighting his ability to dominate clearance and provide an around-the-ground presence.
Eventually forcing his way into the AFL selection fray, Bryan contributed solidly in the final four games of the season to cap off an improved year at all levels.
El-Hawli made instant impact moving across to Essendon with pick No.13 in the mid-season draft, averaging 25 disposals per game despite having his year interrupted by a syndesmosis injury.
Reflective of his performance from limited outings, El-Hawli’s consistency with both the Bullants and Bombers was rewarded with a position on the wing in the final team – the 23-year-old gave a starring showcase to the Essendon faithful with a four-goal effort at Windy Hill in just his second game with the club.
