#41 Ben McNiece - has been future endeavoured

Yia Yia was born in Greece, cat B pls?

Pretty sure it has to involve either Asia or Africa, so… no.
(The player would also need some skill and potential, so I’m guessing that’s another no.)

Will bring in more supporters from the Indian community. I think Alex Morgan has a parent from India decent too. Brilliant Dodoro, I love your work.

I am fine with drafting Ben. No problem. But this appears to “cut across” the JHA

It seems like either the Next Generation Academy has been ripped out of the JHA or theres a separate Next Generation Academy now dealing with players of 24 year of age ?

Some clarity around this would help. I guess we will find out what changes have been made to the academy system at the club

Oh wow. How clever!

There is our small defender depth covered.

Ummm… Thread title says “McNeice”, but isn’t it actually “McNiece”?

Ben McNiece joins Our Comeback Story

essendonfc.com.au

30 November 2016 5:05 PM

Essendon Football Club has finalised its list ahead of the 2017 season with the signing of Ben McNiece as the Bombers’ inaugural Next Generation Academy player.

The 178cm defender was eligible as a Category B Rookie for the position on the Club’s list as his mother was born in India.

McNiece said he was honoured to be given the chance to play senior football.

“I’m extremely grateful for the chance to be part of an elite football environment and to work under senior coach, John Worsfold,” McNiece said.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity for me to realise my dream of playing senior football, and to be able to do what I love on a full time basis is a huge honour.

“I’m looking forward to putting in the hard work and hopefully that gives me every chance to play at the elite level next season.”

The 24 year-old has been a member of the Club’s VFL outfit for the past two seasons and finally gets his chance to impress at senior level.

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said McNiece boasted a strong defensive and offensive mindset.

“We are really pleased to have finalised our list for the 2017 season, and Ben’s addition provides us with another small defensive option,” Dodoro said.

“Ben has an elite left kick, and he has a super competitive nature which allows him to win a lot of contested possessions.

“He has shown he is capable of shutting down some of the state league’s best small forwards and will continue to play an important role for us this season.”

McNiece had an impressive 2016 season with the VFL, finishing third in the Best and Fairest.

VFL Coach, Paul Corrigan, said McNiece also displays outstanding leadership qualities.

“Ben has excellent leg speed and fantastic kicking skills and provides plenty of rebound,” Corrigan said.

“We have been really impressed with his determination and hard work since he joined us in 2015.

“His leadership has also been outstanding, and was named Vice-Captain to skipper Daniel Coghlan in 2016.”

The finalised Bombers’ playing list for 2017 includes; 40 primary listed players, four rookies and one Category B player at a total of 45 players.

Ummm... Thread title says "McNeice", but isn't it actually "McNiece"?

Like you say, it’s McNiece.

We should of got McGrath like this

I wouldnt expect thered be any changes

JHA is for prospective EFC father/ sons whereas the Next Generation Acadamey seems to be for excitement machines/ internationally flavoured recruits that could fit on a Category B rookie list

Someone more in the know will correct me if im wrong

I am fine with drafting Ben. No problem. But this appears to "cut across" the JHA

It seems like either the Next Generation Academy has been ripped out of the JHA or theres a separate Next Generation Academy now dealing with players of 24 year of age ?

Some clarity around this would help. I guess we will find out what changes have been made to the academy system at the club

Nothing to do with EFC specifically - the Next Gen Academies are the permanent version of the multicultural rookie scheme, starting in 2018.

Brilliant move. And required depth in that position.

Mature player who could step up straight away if needed.

Like.

How did we do this can someone explain? Great Move

His nickname has to be Niece McNiece face

What kind of player is he? Back pocket? If so we have done a ■■■■■■ brilliant job of attempting to fill all of our needs this draft/trade period

Yes skilful back pocket player that is good on small opposition forwards. His ball use is very good.

Comes from good stock, eh?

How did we… But isn’t he…

Cool. Jackets with the loophole.

You sneaky little bugger, Dodoro.

Awesome.

Great move. Kinda sad the club didn’t draft someone in the spirit of the rule though.

Future Baguely replacement, me likey.

Great move. Kinda sad the club didn't draft someone in the spirit of the rule though.

Too bad, so sad.

Ummm I heard BOTH of McGrath’s parents were born in Canada. Can we get our pick 1 back now?

Ummm I heard BOTH of McGrath's parents were born in Canada. Can we get our pick 1 back now?

Still not in Asia or Africa.