Michael Hibberd

“You know what you’re going to get pretty much every week; just that run off half back.  Gone are the days where you can just try and beat your opponent; Michael Hibberd does that but he also gets his 20 possessions a week.  I think now he’s probably in the best six players at Essendon in terms of his importance to the side."

Cale Hooker

“Through this injury to Carlisle, we’ve found out that Cale Hooker could arguably be in the top three or four forwards in the game.  He’s like a Travis Cloke to the Essendon footy club and he’ll make Joey Daniher a better player.  He’ll probably cost himself an All-Australian spot this year by doing it (playing forward) but for the sake of the team it has been an amazing contribution he’s made in the last four weeks.”

Michael Hurley

“It has been fantastic in terms of his consistency.  He’s beating his man initially and then going forward and kicking goals.  He’s having 20 disposals consistently.  Currently he’s my All-Australian full back/centre half back.”

David Zaharakis

“What I loved about the Port Adelaide game was it looked like the old Zaharakis was back with his explosiveness and his run.  He looks like he’s just lacked that power in his running and that’s really hurt him. Seeing him dart forward, have shots for goal and find the ball at will like he did on the weekend was great.”