essendonfc.com.au takes a retrospective look at the club’s six recruits from the 2012 National Draft and their progress following their first year in the red and black.
The club snared a diamond in the rough with the mature-aged Nick Kommer, who came onto the football scene in an explosive manner. From relative obscurity, the Bombers used their fifth round selection on the 23-year-old, who was taken at pick 73.
Quick to cement his position in the team with a Round 1 debut, the aggressive half forward immediately showcased his ability to apply pressure around the ball. Becoming a cult figure amongst the Bomber faithful, Kommer averaged 11 disposals a game and booted 10 goals in his inaugural season. After an impressive first year, he will now be turning his focus to having a greater scoring influence and building on his foundations of 2013.
Taken under the father/son rule, Joe Daniher would go on to continue a proud family tradition when he made his long-awaited debut in Round 11 against Carlton. Joining the Daniher dynasty, Joe became the sixth member of the family to play for Essendon after his father Anthony, brother Darcy and uncles Terry, Neale and Chris.
Naturally, there was plenty of hype around Daniher’s debut, and perhaps with some unfair external pressures. However, when the youngster booted three goals the following week against Gold Coast, Bomber fans had a taste of what lies ahead. Having played five senior games, the 19-year-old took many important steps during his first season at the club, which is expected to be a stepping stone toward a long and illustrious career in the red and black.
Drafted to the Bombers as a halfback, Jason Ashby progressed to the forward line late in the season to great effect. Taken as Essendon’s second-round selection with pick 34, Ashby would impress the Bombers’ coaching panel with his ability to find space on the ground and his use and precision with the ball.
The 19-year-old has been touted as one to watch in 2014 as he will be looking to gain a senior berth with the red and black next year.
The Bombers also saw potential in another mature-aged recruit through Dylan Van Unen. The 23-year-old was taken at pick 51 as the club’s third round selection and was predicted to secure senior game time early after having previously played for the Frankston Dolphins in the VFL.
A handful of minor injury niggles prevented the tall defender from doing so, but was immediately praised for his strong leadership abilities amongst the club’s younger reserves players. Showcasing plenty of versatility and competitiveness, Van Unen will benefit from another pre-season campaign in the red and black as he strives for a senior call up.
The naturally talented Martin Gleeson was taken as the club’s fourth round selection with pick 53, a drawcard being his polished skills and endurance.
The youngster impressed in his opportunities through a VFL level this year as a half forward, but a shoulder injury disappointingly cut his season short. Ahead of his second season in the red and black, Gleeson is on the right pathway to cement his position in the senior side soon.
A lanky defender likened to Dustin Fletcher was drafted with the club’s last selection last year. Recruited from the football factory of the Calder Cannons, Sean Gregory was unearthed for his uncanny ability to spoil and his agility, despite his light frame.
With time on his side, the 19-year-old will continue to develop his body before making a push for senior football.
Here’s your chance to have your say at #EFCListens. Email efclistens@essendonfc.com.au and send your thoughts about the club today.
The naturally talented Martin Gleeson was taken as the club’s fourth round selection with pick 53, a drawcard being his polished skills and endurance.
The youngster impressed in his opportunities through a VFL level this year as a half forward, but a shoulder injury disappointingly cut his season short. Ahead of his second season in the red and black, Gleeson is on the right pathway to cement his position in the senior side soon.
A lanky defender likened to Dustin Fletcher was drafted with the club’s last selection last year. Recruited from the football factory of the Calder Cannons, Sean Gregory was unearthed for his uncanny ability to spoil and his agility, despite his light frame.
With time on his side, the 19-year-old will continue to develop his body before making a push for senior football.
Here’s your chance to have your say at #EFCListens. Email efclistens@essendonfc.com.au and send your thoughts about the club today.
