Orazio Fantasia had just eight senior games to his name when he entered the 2016 season.
But a dominant performance in the final match of 2015 had fans yearning for more.
He collected 27 possessions that day and was rewarded with a Rising Star nomination.
Fantasia missed out on selection for round one of the 2016 season.
A week later he was called up to the team and spent his first month of the season playing in the midfield. Throughout his first four games he averaged 25 possessions per game.
Essendon Coach John Worsfold sent Fantasia into the forward line about a third of the way through the year and it was then the South Australian’s form really began to take off.
He finished the year with 29 goals (second to Joe Daniher), including 19 in his final eight games of the season.
Along the way he became just the tenth player to be nominated for the Rising Star award twice.
“Orazio is one of our exciting younger players who is thriving on the challenge and demands of performing at senior level,” Worsfold said.
“His development to date has been impressive, he has a deep hunger to be better, learn and improve with each game.
“Orazio has explosive speed, composure under pressure and a great sense for goal.
“Orazio is an important part of our team structure, and we believe he has an extremely bright future ahead of him.”
Fantasia’s form against the top teams and on the big stage was one of several pleasing aspects to emerge from his season.
He kicked four goals against GWS, had 29 possessions against Geelong, 27 against Hawthorn and picked up 25 and kicked two goals against Collingwood on Anzac Day.
Fantasia also picked up the Bruce Heymanson Best Team Player award in 2016.
Best goal kicking returns by a small forward
*small forward is any player other than a key position player
2016: Orazio Fantasia (29) - Overall winner: Joe Daniher (43)
2015: Dyson Heppell (13) – Overall winner: Joe Daniher (34)
2014: Paul Chapman (22) – Overall winner: Joe Daniher (28)
2013: Alwyn Davey (19) – Overall winner: Stewart Crameri (30)
2012: Alwyn Davey (29) – Overall winner: Stewart Crameri (32)
2011: David Zaharakis (31) – Overall winner: Stewart Crameri (34)
2010: Angus Monfries (24) – Overall winner: Angus Monfries (24)
2009: Angus Monfries (25) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (35)
2008: Brent Stanton (18) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (62)
2007: Mark McVeigh (20) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (62)
2006: Angus Monfries (22) – Overall winner: Scott Lucas (67)
2005: Mark Johnson (29) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (59)
2004: Justin Murphy (24) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (96)
2003: Damian Cupido (39) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (93)
2002: Paul Barnard (23) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (47)
2001: Blake Caracella (25) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (105)
2000: Blake Caracella (35) – Overall winner: Matthew Lloyd (109)
