Essendon’s youth continue to develop and improve despite the challenges of the season.
The opportunities being afforded to players like Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett, Patrick Ambrose and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (to name a few), have seen the youngsters take the next step hopefully long careers.
We compare how a few of these players are tracking, when compared to a similar time last year.
Zach Merrett:
An obvious player to start with, Zach has hit the ground running in 2016. Benefitting from consistent time in the midfield, the 20-year old recorded a personal best 37-disposals against the Dockers over the weekend to continue his blistering start to the year.
Able to put the pressure on the opposition through his quick disposal, great two way running and famous tackling, Merrett’s rise is a direct result of all the extra work he puts in.
Season so far:
Games Played : 11 (=2015)
Avg. Disposals: 29 (21.5 in 2015)
Avg. Contested Possessions: 10 (7.2 in 2015)
Avg. Tackles: 7 (10 in 2015)
Orazio Fantasia:
Somewhat of a revelation this year, the speedy South Australian has enjoyed the benefits of an injury free start to the year. Providing plenty of run through the middle and off the half-back line, Fantasia has been trialed in a number of positions so far this year. More often, he has found himself as either a midfielder or as a half-forward, demonstrating strong performances in both.
Season so far:
Games Played: 10 (2 in 2015)
Avg Disposals: 16 (17 in 2015)
Avg. Contested Possessions: 7 (2 in 2015)
Goals: 10 (0 in 2015)
Patrick Ambrose:
Making the switch from forward to back, this season has presented a massive learning curve to Ambrose. However, he has taken the opportunity with both hands and seems to have found his groove. The coaches have been impressed with what the 24-year old has brought to the table as a defender, playing him on big name opponents each week. Robert Shaw has also praised Ambrose over the last two weeks, calling out his ability to curtail a rampaging Matthew Pavlich in the loss against Fremantle. Ambrose has slotted into the backline seamlessly since returning to the senior side in Round 8.
Season so far:
Position: Defender (Forward in 2015)
Games Played: 8 (11 in 2015)
Avg .Disposals: 12 (15 in 2015)
Avg .Contested Possessions: 3.5 (5.75 in 2015)
Avg. Rebound 50s: 1.9 (0.5 in 2015)
Kyle Langford:
Langford has been signaled as one of the players of the future by the coaches on numerous occasions. Able to take a strong grab, hit targets and also kick goals, the 19-year old has featured predominantly across the half-forward line, but has also been given a chance in the midfield. Regardless of his position, Langford’s efforts around the contest and presentation as a forward have been notable.
Season so far:
Games Played: 11 (2 in 2015)
Avg. Disposals: 13 (6.5 in 2015)
Avg. Contested Possessions: 4 (4 in 2015)
Avg. Tackles: 3 (2 in 2015)
Goals: 6 (0 in 2015 – 3 for entire year)
The Newbies:
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti:
We wouldn’t be able to talk about the most impressive youngsters without giving special mention to Walla. Since being elevated from the rookie list, the 23-year old has let his actions on the field do all the talking. Walla frequently provides the spark from the half-back line, rarely missing a target and showing a great ability to get the ball down the field quickly. His second and third efforts have also been a highlight for fans, leaving them wanting to see more from the Tiwi Islands superstar.
Season so far:
Games Played: 11
Avg. Disposals: 16
Avg. Contested Disposals: 6
Avg. Tackles: 3
Avg. Rebound 50s: 2
Darcy Parish:
There were a lot of expectations placed on the number 5 draft pick coming into the 2016 season, and Parish has yet to disappoint. Having only missed one game so far this year, the 18-year old has earned the respect of the Bomber faithful as well as the wider football community in what can only be described as an remarkable start to a career. There is plenty to be excited about when it comes to Parish, and even more to look forward to.
Season so far:
Games Played: 10
Avg. Disposals: 21
Avg. Contested Possessions: 9
Avg. Clearances: 3
Goals: 5
What we can look forward to:
Will Hams, Shaun Edwards, Jackson Merrett, Mason Redman and Conor McKenna all getting more consistent game time will hopefully unearth the next generation of Bomber’s stars.
Jayden Laverde will also surely be an important inclusion once he returns from injury.
We are also yet to see the likes of Alex Morgan, Aaron Francis, Yestin Eades and Jake Long receive their chance at an AFL level. They will hopefully continue to build in the VFL and make their way into the team later in the season.
Of course, there are also rookies Tom Wallis and Gach Nyuon, who have developmed immensely in their short time at the Club as they continue to learn the game at a VFL level.
