A key contributor in the 2001 Calder Cannons premiership side, the 18-year-old has played most of his football on the wing and is renowned as a running player. “My preferred position is wing and half back. I like the backline because you have the whole ground ahead of you and you can go forward,” the former Aberfeldie player said. According to Howard, his main aim this season is to have a consistent year and bring more physicality into his game. “I need to get a bit tougher and get in there for the hard ball. I am more a running player so I have to make sure I get in and under a bit more. I have been working hard in the gym and on the track – and am keen to work on the little things to improve my overall game.”
Over the years Essendon has produced some talented rookies – Dean Rioli, Mark Johnson and most recently Damien Peverill. Howard watched most of the Essendon VFL matches last season and was inspired by Peverill’s form and dedication. “I came to the footy regularly last season, so I saw a lot of Damien Peverill – now I am training with him and it’s amazing how good his work ethic is. He is so determined - no wonder he made it. He has been in seven drafts and I got my opportunity in my first one. I plan to make the most of it and work hard like he did,” an enthusiastic Howard said.
In some respects, Howard finds training at Essendon easier – although the John Quinn hill sessions haven't been a pleasant experience. “When you are at school you have to train after school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and fit skills and fitness all in to two and a half hours. At Essendon it is spread out – you have a 45-minute session in the morning then another session in the afternoon – it is all separate. In that way it is different to U18s and is a lot better - but the training is a lot harder, especially the fitness sessions,” Howard said.
Away from football Howard is studying Physcial Education and Secondary teaching, part-time at Victoria University in Footscray. Although Howard has just commenced his degree, he is already enjoying the course and doing field work at Essendon Grammar. “I am doing middle school athletics and helping out with sports days. I think it is important to have interests away from football. It helps with your motivation and attitude towards football.”
