Essendon fans think 2009 is a make-or-break season for 24-year-old ruckman, Jason Laycock.
 
The 201cm giant played 16 games last season but the fans weren’t impressed giving him a 3.89/10, down from 5.87/10 in 2007.
 
The Tasmanian has now played 58 games and kicked 36 goals since being taken with pick No.10 in 2002.
 
 
2008
Games - 16
Kicks - 75
Handballs - 61
Marks - 45
Goals - 14

Fan’s report card rating 3.89/10.

2007
Games - 19
Kicks - 96
Handballs - 73
Marks - 65
Goals - 9

Fan’s report card rating 5.87/10.

2006
Games - 6
Kicks - 38
Handballs - 17
Marks - 17
Goals - 4

Fan’s report card rating 4.05/10.

This is what some of the fans had to say about Jason Laycock’s 2008 season:

Natalie Young - You don't realise how much he actually does until he is not there!! I'm sick of Essendon supporters bagging him and saying he is useless. Instead of saying get rid of him, get behind him and give him a chance!! Good luck Laycock for 2009!! I'm behind you 100%.

Cameron Gliese - Disappointing year. Must improve because he has the ability.

Rodney Broadbent - Jason has ability but is a bit down on confidence. He does some good things and then he does not a lot which may mean he needs to work on his fitness so he can have a better presence.

Andrew Charlton - Only looks any good when Hille isn't playing. Needs to get over the mental hurdle of being No.2 to the second best ruckman in the league.

Alan McCready - Must turn the corner soon. If only the supporters had as much faith as his coaching staff. Needs aggression and commitment as he has the raw talent!

Ross Penny - Had his best season with the club. Needs to build on this for coming season or could be looking for a new club.

Ben Wilson - Won a couple of games off his own boot after nearly losing them to start with. Has so much potential! You can even see signs of Hird in him when a passage of play goes right for him.

Daniel Gregg - Jason needs to harden up a bit, skill and height can make you a good player but to be a star you need to work harder than the competition.

Julian McGuire - We know what he CAN do. Needs to pull the finger out and play his hardest or Bellchambers will overtake him.

Steven Rischitelli - Jason played most of the season with injuries and performed ok. Has become the team’s new whipping boy.

Jonathan Woods - Better player that most fans give him credit for. Should have a stellar 2009 and silence his critics!

Ricke Dovey - Still one of our biggest prospects in my mind! With Hille, could be the best ruck duo in the comp for 09/10 and maybe beyond! Still hasn’t reached his best and will be a gun when he does!

Des Ploog - Knows how to play and has good skills. A guy with his build should be physically intimidating which he isn't often enough. Needs to show more aggression and urgency whilst on the ground. Very capable and not that old so still a chance for him to have a successful career.

Nicholas McHattie - Can inspire, but can also be a let-down. It’s 2009 or bust for Jason, it’s time to step up to the plate.

Trevor Swain - Great potential a few years ago but had a disappointing year in 08. 2009 will be interesting.

Nicholas Morrey - A pretty big disappointment this year. Ruckman do take their time and he needs to have a big 2009.

Matt Milburn - In his most injury-free season failed to fire. Seems to play better on instinct rather than over thinking a situation. Inaccurate kicking at critical times cost us.

Matthew Mannix - Showed some signs of a good player, but can really stuff up things that should be easy.

Rowan Lace - Very disappointing year. Has a truckload of potential but still yet to live up to it. I hope that 2009 is the year where he wakes up and becomes a worthy player.