Misiti is one of the star centreman of the competition and his ability to win the football in tight situations and use it well has been a key part of the club’s recent success. He to was an “arthroscope victim” in 2001. He went off the senior list to make way for Damien Peverill but had an impact immediately after his return.
Misiti played 16 games during the 2001 season and averaged more than 23 possessions per game – it is a measure of his ability to find the football and illustrates just how important he is to the side. He finished second in handballs during the season and fourth in loose-ball gets – good numbers for someone who missed so much football.
Misiti’s pre-season has been very good and importantly injury free. He is as fit as he has ever been and primed for a big season. He is another of the group of Essendon players who has passed the mid-point of his career and he will be very keen to make the most of what remains. And just what remains for this team will depend very much on his form in the middle. He loves it tough in the clinches and he will get much more of that in 2002.
What role with he play on match day?
Misiti will basically start in the middle and stay there. He will work hard defensively when required but won’t go as deep when the Bombers go forward. He has the fitness to run all day and that is what he will do. He will also have to contend with tags for much of the year – both Misiti and his teammates will let the taggers know they are around.
What will the coaches expect on match day?
The coaching staff will want Misiti to be the play-maker through the midfield. They will want him to win plenty of contests and direct traffic once he has the football. They will want him to use his experience in the tight situations and be a real leader.
