Yes, I am talking about size and time given to prove his worth.
But yes he is getting a years lifeline.
We are trying out lots of players to do that inside mid role , but there are very few that are Jobesque in size and none are looking anything like Jobe in perfromance at this point. The holy grail is a 190+ big bodied clearance player to stand up to Fyfe, and Cripps.
How dare you? How could anyone possibly be cynical of the blitz hype train?
There’s the hype train then there is the “he is and always will be” groups. Both annoying.
Ha.
You make a great point.
After 8 years in the league, it’s a bit more than pure guesswork.
You make too much sense. Instaban.
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He’s innocent before being proven guilty. Happy you don’t work at the club. You would bring your dark cloud of gloom to cover everything. I hope we do well this year as you seem to need some happiness and optimism. This was to reincarnated by the way.
Premiership Tiger Jacob Townsend intent on adding hard edge to Essendon midfield after rookie lifeline
Jay Clark , Herald Sun
Jacob Townsend was thinking seriously about his tool belt three weeks ago.
After 48 games and pair of flags (AFL and VFL) with Richmond, the hard nut thought his time at the top level was up.
But just as he began to contemplate a full-time carpentry gig, and having a kick in the suburbs, [the Bombers called him about an important vacancy.]
“It happened really late, because it was probably only two-and-a-half weeks ago I found out that the Bombers had any interest,” Townsend told the Herald Sun .
“The Giants were half keen, to maybe go back and play there, but to be honest I was putting things in place to try and find a job.
“I only played the one (AFL) game this year and it wasn’t a great game to come in for — the Cats when they were up and going, and we got absolutely smashed (by 67 points).
“So after that game, I was back to the twos and I really thought it could be my last AFL game.”
Jacob Townsend has been thrown a lifeline by Essendon.
Jacob Townsend was a key member of Richmond’s premiership team as a defensive forward.
Ever since former Essendon captain Jobe Watson retired, the Bombers have had a void in their engine room.
But new coach-in-waiting Ben Ruttenwanted a raging bull to win the hard ball, and make life a touch easier for gun running midfielders Dylan Shiel, Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell and Andrew McGrath
After all, the Bombers ranked last for contested possession from Round 15 last season.
But for Townsend, 26, the opportunity is perfect.
After playing mostly as a makeshift key forward at Punt Rd, the Leeton product is relishing the idea of rolling the sleeves up back in the centre square in red and black.
“When I caught up with the coaches and (list boss) Adrian (Dodoro) they said they saw me playing as an inside mid – to try and win the footy and help the outside players,” he said.
“I rather that inside midfield role. I like getting in there first and using my physicality to try and win the ball or tackle and turn it over.
Jacob Townsend celebrates a goal in Richmond’s VFL grand final win this year.
“Obviously there are some very good midfielders here at Essendon, but I will back myself to play AFL games.
“I am not here to be a bit of a depth player. I am sort of over that, at the moment.
“I have been doing that for the past five or six years, so I think can play that (senior on-ball) role.”
He officially joined the Bombers for training on Wednesday after maintaining his own individual training program in the off-season, more out of hope than anything else.
His manager, Winston Rous, kept putting in the good word for Townsend throughout the trade period with the Bombers, knowing he still has plenty to offer.
At Tullamarine, he will hook-up with former Giants’ teammates Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith, Andrew Phillips, James Stewart and former GWS coach, and one of Townsend’s biggest fans, Kevin Sheedy.
But the new Essendon rookie also has plans to catch-up and perhaps break some bread with some of the Bombers’ VFL midfielders who he frequently locked horns with.
“We played them (Essendon VFL) three times in the space of a couple of months this year and I think I got in a couple of fights with a fair few,” he said.
“So I might have to go and have a bit of a chat (laughs), but I will try and earn their respect.
“Sometimes I probably go in a bit too hard and have to pull myself back a bit at training.
“But I don’t think I’ll try and change too much, just go out there and be myself.”
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I was looking through the super 2001 draft again…and had a look at the Crows rookie draft
Paul Thomas 8 games
Nathan Bock 140 games
TRUCK Rutten 229 games
Martin Mattner 222 games
has to go close to one of the best Rookie drafts ever.
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Doesn’t dodoro go without saying round here
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Not really - you just called him a Baguley replacement, dismissing any possibility of a positional move because arguments
K. It’s not “because arguments“ though. It’s because he’s not played midfield in 4 years or so. The theory that he’s definitely going to be good enough to play midfield isn’t as much of a sure thing as you all hope.
You’re gunna spew when you find out I’ve pencilled Philips in for ruck.
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There is no such theory - you’re adding it to have a stance against it.
He has played midfield in VFL. There’s plenty of VFL form that actually is probably much more relevant to his move here.
But because he played a few games forward in AFL, he’s no good at midfield.
You can hope he’ll turn into whatever you want. I’m not stopping you!
I’m just pointing out that you’re basing it off little more than pure hope, rather than reality.
Yes, because I have been banging on about how good he’ll be, right?
gee HAP - do you read through posts that you argue with?
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I said that it is a fact that he will win a Brownlow.
So you don’t (?) think he’ll be very good, but you felt the need to argue with me for saying I don’t think he’ll be very good?
Goob stuff.
Both Townsend & Hibberd with points to prove
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Given how Essendon have been playing I reckon they see Essendon offering them an excellent opportunity to play senior football because there is a need they can address.
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