The countdown to season 2002 is on in earnest and in our continuing Engine Room series we look at the senior listed players and pin-point their roles in the upcoming season. Today we take a look at DANIEL MCALISTER. This is a crunch season for McAlister who has only managed two senior games since joining the club in 1997. He has always had the ability but injury and a lack of consistency has seen him struggle to cement a place in the senior side. He was de-listed at the completion of the 2001 season but re-drafted by the Bombers with their final selection in the National Draft.

McAlister will know all too well the importance of the upcoming season. He needs to force his way back into the senior side and show he has a long-term future with the club. And there is only one way he will do that - he must string together quality games in the VFL side and keep his name in front of selectors.

With five years AFL experience behind him, McAlister must ensure he is a leader in the VFL side. He must have a presence and help the development of Essendon's younger players and also ensure the side wins games.The performance of the VFL side is an important adjunct to the success of the club as a whole - McAlister has an important role to play.

McAlister has had an excellent pre-season, is injury free and primed to press his claims during the pre-season competition. It will be an important time for him. He was a member of the 2000 pre-season premiership side and he would love to play a part in a similar result.

What will his role be on match day?

McAlister spent much of last season playing across the half back-line and the Bombers may well persist with him in that position. He will also spend some time in the mid-field and on the wing. He has the pace and size to do both jobs very well.

What will the coaches expect of McAlister?

With so much on the line this season, the Essendon coaching panel will want to see a desperate young man playing his very best football. They will want to see him play disciplined football and show the leadership in the VFL side that just might see him return to the senior side.