Season 2001 is one that Chris Heffernan would like to put behind him. After a stellar season 2000, Heffernan had every right to be looking forward to 2001. He had established himself as a high-quality player and the side was coming off an emphatic Premiership victory. Unfortunately things never really got rolling for Heffernan. A serious knee injury during pre-season training saw him sidelined for the first nine rounds of the season.
Heffernan was rushed back into the senior side – something forced upon the match committee because of a mounting injury list. With no pre-season behind him and precious little skill work Heffernan was always going to struggle to slot straight back in. The frustration mounted for Heffernan as he failed to live up to his own expectations.
Heffernan is undoubtedly a key player for the Bombers – smart, highly-skilled and a leader. He will be extremely keen for season 2002 to get underway. A player who sets high standards for himself and his teammates – the events of the last Saturday in September, 2001 will not be sitting well with him. There is only one thing that will help erase the events of last season and that is for him to get games under his belt, for him to again become a key contributor in the mid-field and for the Bombers to win games.
How will he be used?
This is the beauty of Chris Heffernan – he can basically play anywhere. However it is in the midfield where you will most likely find Heffernan. He finds the football but also has excellent defensive skills that enable him to shut down opposition on-ballers. He can also head into the back half when required or play as a creative link on a wing. Wherever he plays he generally has an impact.
What will the coaches want on match day?
The coaching staff, an all fans, will be hoping Heffernan can put his injury problems behind him and become the key player he was in 2000. Fully fit and in-form, the coaches will want him to spend long periods in the middle and create chances for the Essendon runners. He will also be asked to use his defensive skills to shut down opposition runners – something the Bombers failed to do on Grand Final day last year. He was Essendon's’ leading tackler in 2000 with 67 – it was an important statistic and one the Essendon coaching staff would like to see him repeat in 2002.
