With Essendon fan-favourite Jason Winderlich announcing his retirement at seasons end, we take a look back at his fruitful career donning the red sash.

Spanning 12 seasons, ‘Licka’ has had to overcome several obstacles during his 123 games that have ultimately contributed in making him the resilient, dependable, and strong custodian of the red sash today.

Season 2003

Games played: 3        Average disposals: 6             Average marks: 2.3

After being drafted by the Bombers with pick 11 in the 2002 National Draft as a promising young speedster with good goal sense, Winderlich broke though with his debut in round seven against Richmond in his first year.

A skinny, fresh-faced Winderlich managed six disposals on debut with three kicks, three handballs and also took three marks. He played a further two games in 2003.

Season 2004

Games played: 6        Ave disposals: 6.3                  Ave marks: 2.3

Winderlich made further progress for the Bombers in his second season, playing six games.

A highlight for the season was his first double-figure possession game in round 20 against Collingwood on the big stage at the MCG. In front of 52,983 fans, he gathered 11 disposals, with five kicks and six handballs, as well as taking four marks in an enjoyable 37-point win over the Pies.

Season 2005

Games played: 12     Ave disposals: 9.4                  Ave marks      2.9

2005 saw Winderlich become a regular in the Bomber outfit, as he played 12 games. Although Essendon slumped to 13^th on the ladder at seasons end, the budding midfielder/forward provided fans with a shining light.

He lifted his average disposals to just shy of 10 a game, which included a season high of 15 touches against Collingwood in round 16. He had nine kicks, six handballs, took four marks and also booted a goal.

Season 2006

Games played: 9        Ave disposals: 11.7               Ave marks: 5.4

It was another struggling year for the Dons in 2006 as they fell further on the ladder to 15^th. Winderlich and the young Bombers battled through the year and gave fans glimpses of what was to come.

Individually, ‘Licka’ played out nine games, averaging almost 12 disposals and was capped off with a 19-possesion and 13-mark game against the Crows in round 10.

Season 2007

Games played: 17     Ave disposals: 18.8               Ave marks: 7.8

Essendon began to rise and so did Winderlich. In his first full season on the park, he played 17 games. ‘Licka’ pushed up into the midfield and lifted his average disposal rate to 18.8 per game in 2007.

Winderlich also demonstrated his smarts in front of goal booting six goals for the season, including a bag of three in round 22 against West Coast.

Season 2008

Games played: 9        Ave disposals: 17.2               Ave marks: 4.9

After playing nine out of the first 11 games, 2008 saw Winderlich withdraw from the rest of the season as he underwent back surgery to repair a prolapsed disc. It was a blow to the then 24-year-old midfielder, who had his best season to date in the year previous.

Season 2009

Games played: 19     Ave disposals: 20.4               Ave marks: 6.4

It looked grim for Winderlich as he returned from back surgery before, however he surprised the football world with his return in round one. Winderlich then carried on to play a career-high 19 games in the season in his best season for the Bombers averaging 20.4 disposals.

He demonstrated he had not lot any of his speed and skill as a result of his surgery and looked to be as free as ever playing his footy. His stellar season mirrored the Bombers as they reached the finals for the first time in four years.

‘Licka’ finished with 10 Brownlow votes (equal best at the club) and was fifth in the club best and fairest. At the time he admitted after the surgery there were stages he thought we would not play again which led him to play his footy with a clear mind each week.

Season 2010

Games played: 19     Ave disposals: 22                  Ave marks: 5.2

Winderlich enjoyed yet another fantastic season in 2010 as he remained at the peak of his powers established in 2009.

Playing majority as a midfielder, he topped 25 or more disposals seven times throughout the season, demonstrating his durability to the team as a reliable performer. His season-high was reached in round 13 against Hawthorn where he had a monster 35 disposals, six marks and booted a goal in a breathtaking individual effort. This performance still remains his career-high possession tally to date.

His sensational year was capped off when he was awarded third place in the Crichton Medal, behind Jobe Watson and Heath Hocking.

Season 2011

Games played: 4        Ave disposals: 11.2               Ave marks: 2.5

After a promising start to the season, booting six goals in three matches, Winderlich unfortunately sustained a major blow in round four.

He went down with an ACL knee injury early in the match against Carlton that saw his 2011 done and dusted.

Season 2012

Games played: 2        Ave disposals: 11                  Ave marks: 5

After a year-long rehabilitation program, Winderlich was set to make a comeback early for the Bombers in 2012. In an unfortunate series of events, he suffered several minor setbacks along the way which ultimately resulted in tearing his hamstring at training before the season.

It was another lengthy stint on the sidelines in 2012 on top of the year previous, as Winderlich was forced to wait until round 18 to play his first game since injuring his knee in round four, 2011.

In another heavy blow, he re-injured his hamstring in just the second game back against the Crows, which was his 100^th game. Winderlich did not play any part in the remainder of the 2012 season.

Season 2013

Games played: 12     Ave disposals: 14.8               Ave marks: 6.6

Winderlich was elevated into Essendon’s leadership group ahead of the 2013 season. It was a year where ‘Licka’ was attempting to put the injury issues he had faced for the two seasons prior behind him.

After beginning his campaign in round three against Carlton where he booted four goals, Winderlich went on to play 12 games more predominantly as a forward using his experience, illusiveness and class to capitalise in attack for the Bombers.

Season 2014

Games played: 11     Ave disposals: 14.6               Ave marks: 5

It now makes sense that Winderlich is playing with the freedom and fearlessness of a person that has had a weight lifted from their shoulders, after announcing this year will be his last.

A move to defence during the middle part of this season has seen ‘Licka’ reinvent himself as a skilful and speedy rebounding defender. Again using his experience and leadership, as well as demonstrating his line-breaking pace and skills, Winderlich is enjoying his final season playing quality football Bombers and is very hopeful of a finals berth to conclude his career.