The Bombers have made a concerted effort to get straight into their match-related drills upon returning to pre-season and are trialling veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel across half-back as they assess different options in their mix.
“We’re having a look at a few different blokes in different areas. We’ll certainly have a look at him across half-back, Zach’s (Merrett) been training there a little bit as well, so we’re not locking anything in but giving guys different looks. They both look pretty comfortable there,” McPherson said.
If we were to make a crazy, end of career, hail-mary positional move for Dylan Shiel, I would make him a forward pocket and tell him to use his famous “burst of speed” to pressure opponents, tackle people, rove packs and kick goals. That way we can play Kako in the VFL for most of 2025 until he is ready (we are out of finals contention)
As for Shiel… could he contribute to the team in 2025? Yes. But personally I’d be happy to move past him in any capacity and put games into deserving younger guys.
I’m happy to play Dylan in the best 22 since he is still best 22 when fit. I like the back half Shiel idea. Make him accountable which I believe he has been of recent time. Pretty much, play a role that a developing kid shouldnt play. It will be a role Shiel can make his own and free up the young kids to do their thing.
Breakthrough Essendon VFL star Will Hoare will be given first crack at auditioning for a spot on the club’s AFL list when he starts as an official train-on player on Saturday.
Hope all goes well for the young man today and going forward