Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro says the Club’s returning players are in ‘great shape’ ahead of the resumption of pre-season training next month.
The Bombers have welcomed back ten players including four All-Australians (Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker).
Dodoro told Trade Radio the players have returned refreshed and ready to continue their AFL careers.
"They’re in great shape,” he said.
“I was talking to Jobe the other day and he was talking about being in career best shape, he looks fantastic.
“They’ve really freshened up mentally and physically I don’t think it’ll be an issue. You see guys that have knee reconstructions and come back in 12 months and don’t miss a beat.
“Guys like Brent Stanton, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett – they’re in unbelievable condition at the moment.
“Tom Bellchambers who has had some ankle issues has been able to get well and truly over those, he feels great and is looking forward to next year.”
Given the wealth of returning stars and the development experienced by Essendon’s young core, Dodoro said Coach John Worsfold is unsure of what his ‘best 22’ will look like.
Cale Hooker’s best position is one of the questions the Club will hope to answer over the pre-season.
The 27 year old earned an All-Australian spot in defence in 2014 and then backed it up with a best and fairest winning year in 2015, the second half of which was spent in attack.
“He’s a pretty driven guy and he wants to play forward – he sees it as a challenge,” Dodoro said.
“When he went forward a couple of years ago his numbers were elite for a tall forward in the competition so that’s a possibility that will happen.”
Hooker kicked 20 goals in the final ten games of 2015 and averaged seven marks per match throughout that period.
How the returning players adapt after a year away won’t be known until the home and away season gets underway but Dodoro said the players have walked back into a positive environment.
“I think it’ll be an exciting year for us but there is a lot of unknowns,” he said.
“I do know that the environment is fantastic, it’s exciting to be at Essendon, it’s great to go to work every day, everyone has a smile on their face.
“Who knows what can happen next year.”
