A couple of former first round draft picks and a Brownlow medal winner are on the fringes of the Bombers best line-up according to thousands of Essendon fans who had their say on the make up of the Club’s best 22.
The talent of the players pressing for selection gives an exciting indication of the depth on the Bombers list.
Shaun Edwards
After working hard to secure his first Essendon senior game, Edwards made the most of his opportunity. He collected 17 possessions and kicked two goals on debut against West Coast in round 11 last year.
The former Giant played another eight games and brought pace and agility to the Bombers forward half. He ended the season with eight goals.
Courtenay Dempsey
A late season shift to the forward line proved a masterstroke as Dempsey turned himself in to an attacking threat. He had 12 scoring shots in his final three games, including five against Gold Coast.
At his best, Dempsey has proven to be a fast and attacking defender. Now with the ability to go forward, he offers the selection committee greater versatility.
Orazio Fantasia
Like Dempsey, Fantasia showed some promising signs late in the season. Recalled to the senior line-up for the final thee matches, he provided the spark off the bench against Gold Coast that nearly led to a come from behind victory.
Fantasia continued his good form against Collingwood in the final match of the year. His 27-possession performance earned him a Rising Star nomination.
With a nice side step and good skills, Fantasia is capable of making an impact at either end of the ground.
Adam Cooney
Two hamstring injuries quelled the Brownlow medal winner’s influence in his first season at the Bombers, but the glimpses were promising.
He averaged nearly a goal a game, including two bags of three. He also had 17 or more possessions in seven of his 11 matches.
Cooney is about to resume full training and is confident his pace remains at a high level. His experience and ability to play in the midfield and forward line will make him an important part of the coaching staff’s planning for the 2016 season.
Mitch Brown
Geelong used a first round selection to secure the former Sandringham Dragon in the 2008 National Draft. The Cats were in the middle of one of their greatest eras and Brown found it difficult to cement a regular spot.
He played 15 games for Geelong, including the side’s semi final loss to North Melbourne in 2014.
After impressing in the NAB Challenge, Brown spent 2015 in the VFL with Sandringham and earned selection in the VFL Team of the Year at centre half forward.
Nick Kommer
After two seasons ruined by injury, Kommer is back on the training track and building up his fitness ahead of the 2016 season.
The combative forward played 19 games in 2013, establishing himself as an important part of the line-up.
If he can earn a spot in the 2016 line-up he could provide added spark to the Essendon attack.
