Always.
Can confirm 2022 also looking strong, the current favourite for that years number 1 pick plays like Judd
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I agree that there is little chance of us finishing last. However, playing those teams makes it more likely because they’re ‘8 point games’ - only need to drop a 2 or 3 of them and we’re right in the mix with those teams on the bottom rungs.
Couple that with our ability to play poorly against teams below us on the ladder and the state of our list I can easily see us amongst the bottom few if just a few things go awry.
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I think bottom 4-5 is definitely on the cards.
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who will be playing in the Horne cup.
My guess is North and Adelaide
With Hawks being a rough chance
lowest we finish is probably 4th last.
Given the draw plays such a big factor in determining where a team finishes on the ladder, i revisited it. Looking at it, barring this year going unexpectedly bad, i cant see how we finish in the bottom 4 as we clearly have the easiest draw of any team that finished bottom 6 last year.
Of the bottom 6 teams from 2020, we’re one of only two teams that doesn’t have to play two middle 6 team teams twice (we only play GWS from that group once, while North only plays the doggies once). Even Adelaide has to play two middle table teams twice, and one of them is a likely top 4 team in West Coast. Instead we get three double ups against other bottom 6 teams (Hawks, North, Sydney).
We also get to play the weakest of the top 6 teams last year in Collingwood, who could likely have a poor year this coming year for obvious reasons, giving us a chance to steal another game or two.
In terms of the playing the top 6 teams, we actually in a way get ‘lucky’ and play them all at our opponents grounds (i.e. we’re going to lose to them regardless, so who cares where we play them). This is good, because as a result, we get our home games against weaker opponents in Adelaide and Freo, where i dont think we’d win if we had to play them at their home grounds, but have a good chance given we’re playing them at Marvel.
I think another poor percentage, but reasonable win tally is on the cards again this year
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They said that about Scully in his draft year.
When you compare 2020 Essendon vs 2021 probable Essendon, the 2021 team should perform on field far better.
Players left, but most of them were either injured or disinterested. Saad is the only one who was performing at peak.
We will actually have a fit and healthy spine. 2021 Draper alone should tear shreds of out 2020 ruck lineup.
We have some key players returning from injury. Or we’ve brought in less talented players who will provide better value on field because they are actually fit. No point having a higher ceiling if you can only perform at 25%.
So combining a more favourable draw with the natural improvements vs last year, I don’t see us as the lost cause many are predicting. There’s going to be some fantastic upset Essendon wins.
Don’t get me wrong, we will be playing a very young side, so experienced teams will still beat us on most days. But I reckon we’ll put up a fight when we do go down.
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I watched Scully in his draft year. No they didn’t. Even BEFORE he permanently damaged his knee in the TAC preliminary final.
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This was from the age. It was said multiple times pre-draft.
THE LOWDOWN: Scully has been compared to Chris Judd but in reality he’s the Ben Cousins of this year’s draft pool. When the others have all stopped there he’ll be, still running. He has great anticipation, which means he gets his hands on the ball first more often than not, and his vision and lightning-quick hands set teammates into space. He can prise the ball through small spaces and he uses smartly when he gets it on the outside too. Has a bit of steel about him, and has been touted as a potential captain.
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Just wondering how do we know much about the 2022 kids? With no footy last year, they would have been 15 or so last time they played a game in VIC, right? Is that how far out the recruiters predict the strength of the talent pool?
Efc Rd 1 2020
b: Saad Hurley Zerk-Thatcher
hb: Redman Francis Ridley
c: Cutler McGrath Smith
hf: Langford Laverde Townsend
f: Fantasia Stringer Tippa
r: Bellchambers Shiel Merrett
int: Parish Guelfi Snelling Zaharakis
EFc Rd 1 2021
In: Cox, Hind, Wright, Hooker, Caldwell, Draper, Jones, Stewart
Out: Cutler, Saad, Townsend, Fantasia, Bellchambers, Zaharakis, Hurley (Infection)
also assume injured - Hurley, Stringer, Zakka, Laverde
b: Hind Hooker Francis
hb: Redman Zerk-Thatcher Ridley
c: Langford McGrath Cox
hf: Stewart Jones Merrett
f: Smith Wright Tippa
r: Draper Shiel Parish
int: Caldwell Snelling Guelfi Cahill
Emg: Perkins, Laverde, Reid
*not sure where Stewart fits in, probably in Laverdes spot
*Laverde have left out for Stewart due to interrupted preseason and learning defence
*Think Cahill will be close to best 22
*thought Perkins would go close, but has been moth balled
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I got to see a few 16s games last year before covid hit Victoria and all other states still had 16s playing aswell with even a few playing up in the 18s like Jed Hagan in WA. One of the best junior football games I’ve ever seen was between Oakleigh and Sandringham in a practise game last year which included Alwyn Davey Jr and both sides looked stacked for talent and the talent pool also looks strong in WA and SA aswell.
Players are tracked down as early as under 12s, not all of them make the leap but players like Rowell and Serong looked like great talent even at that age.
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Devon Robertson had his highlights reel from the under 12 carnival on you tube 
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Tom Scully made the All Australian squad in back to back years before he wrecked his leg in 2018. Obviously he’s not Judd, but he’s far from the worst high draft pick.
If this kids ceiling is Judd and floor is Tom Scully he’s clearly a pretty good prospect.
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Who cares about Scully he isn’t even an AFL player anymore.
I’d bet money that the top 5 in this draft will all be as good (and as even) as the Mcgrath/mccluggage/taranto triumvirate in 2016
The only question I have is whether there’ll be a Rowell type standout.
well rowell didn’t play last year, so chances are he could have another break out year.
First win and first goal today, Tom will be in the 2022 draft
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Geez poor old Tiwi can’t seem to get within 80 points of anyone at the moment 
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The team doesn’t have a good mix to it and really lacking in size. Helps aswell when Crocs have so many promising young Victorian’s who have come through the elite junior pathways. Both Barlows are handy too