It’s been a long time since we’ve tasted real success. But that doesn’t mean some damn fine players didn’t put on an Essendon jumper in that time period. We won our last final in 2004. Need you need reminding?
The rules I have given myself is to list the best 22 that have played in our years of dearth. It cannot include players that played in the 2000 Grand Final. Here is my 22. What is yours?
B Houli C Hooker A Welsh
J Ridley M Hurley M Hibbard
D Zaharakis B Goddard B Stanton
J Winderlich J Stringer D Rioli
Tippa P Wright A Monfies
If your picking Houli who was pretty average for us, I don’t see why you wouldn’t put Kelly, Chappy and Cooney in the side. Arguments for Mal Micheal, Campo and Richards as well.
I’d try and sneak Damian Cupido in there.
As much of a ■■■■■■ he was when he left us, I’d probable add in Adam McPhee.
Andrew Lovett would also be a bit stiff.
I’d take out Houli. He played his best footy at another club and I don’t see Ted Richards on that team, nor Paul Chapman, James Kelly or Cooney.
I’d also take out Monfries. He was good, but I think Cupido pips him.
I’d take out Crameri. Not enough peak years from him and put Lovett in his place.
Adam Saad is a bit stiff, but I cannot find a way to add him in the team.
Really we have been a team of unaccountable players the last two decades who’ve looked their exiting best playing run and gun slingshot footy. In that vain I’d want to get Dempsey, McKenna, Saad, Raz etc into the team. Just embrace the speed and fun of it
Saad Hooker McKenna
Dempsey Hurley Hibberd
Lovet Watson Stanton
Raz Stringer Davey
Tippa Joe Cupido
Ryder Sheil Merret
Rioli was at the club from 1998 - 2006. We finished top of the ladder at end of H&A 99-01 (a period where he was established in the seniors), and made finals 7 of his 9 seasons at the club. Not sure he should qualify for this team.