Continuity had been a struggle for Matthew Leuenberger throughout the first nine years of his career.
A highly rated junior prospect, the Brisbane Lions landed the ruckman with the fourth pick in the 2006 National Draft.
He went on to play 108 games with the Club, including two seasons where he played all 22 games (2010 and 2011).
But either side of those seasons, there were years decimated by injury.
So the opportunity for a fresh start to re-launch the back end of his career appealed.
For Essendon, a ruck partner for Tom Bellchambers was equally attractive and in October the deal was struck.
Taking the field with Bellchambers was put on hold but the continuity Leuenberger craved was found.
The 28 year old played 20 games, his best return in several seasons and roamed the field with the mobility he’d displayed in his best seasons.
Along the way, Leuenberger registered the fourth highest amount of hit outs in a season by an Essendon player ever.
Most hit outs in a season
- Simon Madden 812 – 1983
- Simon Madden 699 – 1984
- Justin Madden 631 – 1982
- Matthew Leuenberger 558 – 2016
- Patrick Ryder 549 – 2014
- Don McKenzie 481 – 1968
- Tom Bellchambers 448 – 2012
- Justin Madden 436 – 1981
- Patrick Ryder 424 – 2009
- Patrick Ryder 416 – 2010
