Injuries to key players dented Essendon’s finals ambitions but also provided opportunities for a band of young Bombers.
Jobe Watson, David Myers and Heath Hocking left gaping holes in the midfield.
Travis Colyer was cut down while he was playing his best football.
Tom Bellchambers’ absence was felt in the ruck.
And the experience of Dustin Fletcher, Jason Winderlich, Adam Cooney and Paul Chapman was missed too.
But this allowed young players like Shaun Edwards, Nick O’Brien, Conor McKenna, Jayden Laverde and Kyle Langford to gain valuable experience at senior level.
“You always have to find that silver lining and having the opportunity for the Club to blood some of the youngsters was fantastic,” Head of Player Development Mark Neeld said.
“Hopefully over the next couple of years we can look back and say there was actually something to be gained from 2015.”
Joe Daniher ended the season as the Club’s leading goal kicker for the second year running.
The 21 year old booted 34 goals.
He has kicked 65 across his career and is yet to play his 50th game.
The former Calder Cannon played every game this season, including the final match against Collingwood where he suffered a heavy knock in the first quarter.
“People forget he’s still only in his third season, so he’s still very much in the development phase of his career,” Neeld said.
“He’s held down a key forward post all year, in a year where not much has gone right, but to finish on that note – he copped a big knock but he was able to shake it off and lead from the front.”
The form of the young players culminated in Orazio Fantasia picking up the final Rising Star nomination of the season.
The teenager gathered 27 possessions playing off half back and set up many chains of attack for the side.
“Raz has given everyone a bit of a taste of what he can do,” Neeld said.
“If we can get him playing consistent footy like that, that’s great for us.
“He’s a line breaker, he’s also a really skillful young 'fella' so if we can get him injury free and be available for selection each and every week, we’ll be a better side.”
