Mature aged recruit Nick Kommer was a shining light for Essendon throughout the 2013 season after making his debut in round one against Adelaide he cemented his position as a regular in the forward line for the remainder of the season.
Recruited from East Perth at pick 73 in last year’s draft Kommer played 19 matches in his first season in the red and black showcasing his ability to apply defensive pressure.
“Nick is a fantastic guy, obviously mature aged, so he learnt our game plan really well and played the way that we wanted him to play,” Development coach James Byrne said.
“He was good in our development group as well, he really took some leadership and was happy to speak up because he was an older guy.”
“We are just wrapped with his competitiveness and what he offers out on the field for his teammates.”
Byrne earmarked Kommer fore more time in the midfield during 2014 if he is able to improve his fitness base during the pre-season.
“Something he can work on is finding a bit more of the football as a half forward and another opportunity is to develop his game a bit more to go into the midfield,” he said.
“He has got a big engine so building his fitness base and his strength over the pre-season to lift a level so that he can go into the middle and have an impact because he is so competitive.”
The 22-year-old averaged 11 dispsoals a game during his debut season along with 3 tackles.
Byrne said Kommer’s season did not come as a surprise to the coaching group.
“The first time you look at a recruiting tape and watch him go at the football you actually notice he is very aggressive so it stood out,” Byrne said.
“The blend is to get a bit more of the ball but he plays his role and that is why we love him.”
“That is why he has played a lot of the season because he plays his role for the team, he plays for his teammates and he is a competitive beast so it is fantastic the way he plays his footy.”
Kommer finished the season with ten goals to his name and will be looking to have more impact on the scoreboard next season.
