The countdown to season 2002 is on in earnest and in our continuing Engine Room series we look at the senior listed players and pin-point their roles in the upcoming season. Today we take a look at SAM HUNT. Hunt was selected in the 2000 draft as a 17-year-old by the Bombers and was always looked upon as a long-term proposition. Physically he had plenty of developing to do and he was juggling VCE studies with football in his first season at AFL level. In was a tough ask and Hunt would be the first to admit his football probably suffered.

But with studies now behind him, Hunt can now fully concentrate on football and the results are obvious already. The 2002 pre-season is just two months old and Hunt has been one of the big improvers on the training track. His fitness levels have improved dramatically and he is moving extremely well. With a solid pre-season behind him Hunt will approach the new season with confidence.

Hunt's continued development is important to the Bombers. With Dean Wallis retired and Aaron Henneman virtually a permanent fixture in the seniors, there aren't a lot of tall defenders waiting in line. Ted Richards may be another option but he has been used predominantly as a forward. So it is important that Hunt shows he is comfortable at VFL level this season and begin to put some pressure on those players ahead of him.

How will he be used on match day?

Hunt was recruited as a tall defender and that was predominantly where he spent much of season 2001. He will continue in that role under the guidance of Terry Daniher. Full Back and to a lesser extent centre half back is where he will find himself in 2002.

What will the coaching staff expect on match day?

The coaching staff will want to see Hunt attack the football with more confidence. With a solid pre-season behind him he now has the bulk to break open packs and really make his presence felt. They will also want to see Hunt get more of the football and create some opportunities for his running half backs and on-ballers.