After a long pre-season, VFL Coach Matthew Egan is confident the team are ready to go when they begin their 2016 campaign this Saturday.
Egan was faced with several list changes after taking over from Hayden Skipworth at the conclusion of the 2015 season, but believes despite losing several experienced players, the list is well placed to succeed this year.
“The list has come together really well,” Egan said.
“We’ve got a fair few players now with three or four years experience, so they’re the guys that need to step up this year.
“We’ve also got a lot of youth coming through, a lot of younger players that we’re pretty confident with.”
A number of off-season signings stand to boost the team’s depth particularly those of James El Moussalli and Chris Peart, who both showed promise during the pre-season practice matches.
However, with very few injuries to the Essendon list, opportunities for VFL listed players are highly contested.
The strong list will provide the opportunity for several Essendon youngsters to get some much needed game time under their belts as they look to push up into the senior side.
Mason Redman, Gach Nyuon and Yestin Eades are three of the players that will take to the field for their first official state league game on Saturday.
They will also be joined by Aaron Francis, who has overcome several niggles during the pre-season to cement himself as a key part of the team’s back six.
“Aaron’s last month has been really good and he’s building really strongly,” Egan said.
“He is obviously a great aerial mark. He just launches at the ball and it’s really exciting when he gets a jump at it.
“There’s still a bit of work to go with his defensive craft, but he’s a really exciting player and he’s starting to come out of his shell and he’s starting to look like he’s really enjoying his footy.”
Essendon VFL will face a rejuvenated Werribee VFL, who are fresh off a new alignment with the North Melbourne Football Club.
Egan is confident the team will be competitive and fans will be in for a good, tough game.
“They’re always a good side, and now that they’re aligned with North Melbourne, they’ll be a really good side.
“Similar to North Melbourne, they move the ball very quickly and get it into their dangerous forwards.
“It’ll be a tough game.”
Essendon fans are encouraged to get down to Windy Hill from 12pm to cheer on the boys.
Entry is free at every Essendon home game this season.
For those who are unable to attend, Essendon VFL Radio will return for the 2016 season. You can tune in by clicking this link on Saturday or through the Official Essendon App on your phone.
Quick Facts:
- Last year’s VFL Best and Fairest player, James Polkinghorne, is set to make his return from injury
- James El Moussalli will make his debut for the Bombers VFL side at just 19 years old.
- Mason Redman, Gach Nyuon and Yestin Eades will make their debuts for the Club in an official AFL/state league game
- Eight VFL listed players have been selected and 15 AFL listed players
