After a consistent run that saw Mark Baguley play 63 games in three seasons, injury reduced the defender’s impact in 2016.
A knee problem flared mid-season ending the former Frankston Dolphin's year.
He’d played ten games by that stage after being awarded the vice-captaincy on the eve of the season.
Baguley had already been voted into the leadership group by the time 12 of his teammates were ruled out for the year.
Despite his injury problems, Baguley added an extra dimension to his game when he was moved into attack.
The defender, who has won the Club’s Most Courageous player award in two of the last three seasons, lined up in the forward half against Sydney.
He had three scoring shots from his 16 possessions that day.
“Nathan Bassett was the forwards coach last year and I was hassling him all year to give me one game in the forward line,” Baguley said at the time.
“It didn’t end up happening but this year Hayden Skipworth gave me the chance against Sydney and I really enjoyed it…just for a bit of a change up, just for a bit of freedom and some space to run into.
“I didn’t quite get a goal but maybe next time I get up there I’ll get one.
“I hit the post twice. I have more set shots than anyone at training and I’ve had two in the game and missed them both… I’m filthy.”
Baguley's goal came a fortnight later when he again lined up in attack, this time against St Kilda.
He also took ten marks that day.
Essendon Coach John Worsfold tried several different combinations in attack throughout the year but said he’ll be looking for more stability in 2017.
“We have been having a look at a different mixes and types of forward line structures, different personnel with the view to just learn as much as we can,” Worsfold said.
“Now, the challenge is to say ‘what do we think is going to be our long-term best forward line and start to settle that’, so that will be our aim over summer.”
After not making his AFL debut until he was 25, Baguley has become an integral member of the team’s defence.
The returns of Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker and the form of Michael Hartley, Mitch Brown, Martin Gleeson and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti have given the Bombers coaching staff plenty of defensive options for 2017.
