Craig Bird has made his name as a strong tackler and contested ball winner throughout his nine seasons in the AFL.

It was those qualities that made the premiership player a more than handy acquisition for the Bombers in 2016.

A midfield missing a number of its best ball winners would have to rely on youth and a reduced array of battle hardened midfielders.

It increased the importance of Bird’s output and after a pre-season niggle stymied his early progress, the former Swan became a regular feature in the middle of the ground.

Bird played 18 games and finished high up in several key statistical categories for the Bombers including tackles (2^nd), clearances (3^rd) and contested possessions (4^th).

“He’s been in some good teams where he’s played a role and been a strong contributor, including a premiership,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“Here this year he’s played a different type of role where he’s had to be one of the senior guys, the strong body out there for us, and he’s really held up well.

“He had a very limited pre season so getting through this year and having a better base for a pre season – I think he’s got better football ahead of him.”

Bird’s best form came late in the season with 25 possessions, one goal and nine tackles against Gold Coast and a 22 disposal effort against Carlton in the final three weeks of the year. 

The 27 year old also picked up 24 possessions in his 150^th match against Richmond.

“I guess growing up in Nelson Bay (NSW), it’s not really an AFL town, so to play one AFL game was a big effort for me,” Bird said.

“To get to 150 I’m pretty proud of it. 

“I’ve had a few little hiccups along the way with injuries and stuff like that but it’s a good achievement and something I’ll look back on and be proud of.”