Matthew Boyd will set a new record for the most games (291) played by a 'rookie' when he runs out for the Western Bulldogs on Friday. With afl.com.au ranking its best rookies of all time, here are some of the Essendon players that started their careers on the Rookie List.
Mark Johnson: ‘Mr. Sunbury’ as he was affectionately known was the Bombers first ever Rookie Draft selection (number 12 in 1997). Johnson played 194 games with the Bombers. He was a tough and uncompromising back pocket who played an important role in the 2000 premiership side. He also won the Best and Fairest in 2002.
Gary Moorcroft: The Bombers selected Moorcroft with the 27th pick in the 1997 rookie Draft. Despite standing just 173 centimetres tall, Moorcroft’s aerial strength was elite. His soaring effort in 2001 against the Western Bulldogs was awarded the Mark of the Year. Moorcroft kicked 102 goals for the Bombers in his 95 games and was part of the 2000 premiership side.
Dean Rioli: He had a silky touch that was the envy of many, but ultimately it was injuries that curbed his brilliance. Of solid frame, but particularly sharp over short distances, Rioli played 100 games for Essendon. He was picked up in the 1998 Rookie Draft and added polish to the dominant Essendon sides that enjoyed so many victories between 1999-2001.
Damien Peverill: A local lad, Peverill burst on to the scene in 2001 as a relentless tagger. His endurance was of a very high standard, as was his defensive pressure. Peverill played 144 games for Essendon.
Nathan Lovett-Murray: Used in both the defence and the midfield, Lovett-Murray’s versatility was his greatest asset. He was tough on the field and played 142 games for the Club.
Andrew Lovett: Lovett made an immediate impact winning the Anzac Day Medal in just his third senior game. In five seasons with the Club, Lovett’s pace lit up the MCG on numerous occasions. He developed a particular liking for playing against Carlton across his career, kicking 16 goals and averaging 17 possessions against the Blues.
Heath Hocking: Hocking has proven to be a tough, physical midfielder. He was runner-up in the Best and Fairest in 2010. The left footer averages nearly five tackles a game across his career.
Ben Howlett: The West Australian has been a strong contested ball winner throughout his career, but he’s also got a knack for kicking goals. He kicked four goals in round one against Adelaide in 2013 and booted five against Richmond a year later.
Mark Baguley: The former Frankston Dolphin was 25 when he got his shot in the AFL. Since his debut in 2012, he has become a reliable defender. He never shies away from a challenge and his coaches and teammates admire his courage.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti: 'Walla' burst onto the AFL scene in 2016 with a series of eye-catching performances for the Bombers. Overlooked in several drafts he earned his chance after some promising displays with the Bombers VFL side. His kicking is elite and his ability to chase down an opponent is also of a high standard. McDonald-Tipungwuti has spent the 2017 season in attack where is skill has added to the Dons potency.
