Essendon Pre-Season Best 23!

[@thejoeboganexperience7146]

I’m excited for this line up it’s dynamic and has a lot of potential hopefully the omissions can put pressure on the best 23 to drive standards Well done 👏

[@everythingessendon548]

It’s a solid team at its best, gotta hope injuries don’t catch up with us

[@Ev1l_Gumby]

Love Martin at half forward. I've been banging on about that all pre season. I genuinely think its his most damaging position.

[@footty4]

Martin swapping with Merrett would be unreal for us. I think in the long term, Merrett and Martin across half forward with an on ball rotation of Durham, Parish, Caldwell, Tsatas and Hobbs.

[@everythingessendon548]

Truth is the bloke can play anywhere, I think he will be used in the midfield a fair bit as well.

[@LukeVesty]

Exactly the same for me mate. Martin definitely belongs up forward. He was torching the ball off the half back line last year but when he goes forward he's creative, composed, has good goal sense and is a decent set shot. I really like this.

[@Moby79]

Not bad Felix. You have the 5 who must play in the first game for mine - Bryan, Kako, Roberts, Tsatas and El-Hawli. No more gifting vets time to get things right. This will need a mindset change from the coach.

[@everythingessendon548]

Could be an exciting young team

[@krismiitel2301]

Thanks!

[@everythingessendon548]

Cheers! You didn't have to.

[@Troyski.G]

really excited to see this year's team. cheers mate

[@everythingessendon548]

Keen to see how many of these I got wrong when Opening Round comes along.

[@Troyski.G]

@@everythingessendon548 bound to be a few surprises but not too much wrong with your list. Shiel blossoming in defence this year would be huge W for the playing and coaching group. very interested to see how it plays out on game day,

[@hekkaz77]

Excited for some long form vids!

[@everythingessendon548]

Are you happy with them on KZbin? Or is there another platform that suits them better?

[@hekkaz77]

@@everythingessendon548 KZbin is good 👍

[@Potcm9kfg]

We should put Archie Perkins for one game round one because that Been his best game for last 2 years by a mile

[@everythingessendon548]

Or we just try to convince him that every game is round 1

[@ryanjames6831]

Needs to play at half forward the whole season

[@sleek86]

I still don't know what our ceiling is with this mix of youth and experience

[@everythingessendon548]

If we can stay fit I believe we are a finals side, but we don’t have the depth to cover for injuries

[@travispoorter8654]

Bryan, Caddy, Kako,Reid , Tsatas all simply must play all year, would love to see guys like Saad , Prior and Roberts get opportunities also. We’re in a rebuild , happy to go backwards to go forward. Don’t want see Laverde , Setterfield, Goldy , Menzie given games unless we have injuries or their form in tHE VFL is undeniable. It’s time to blood kids and grow together like the Hawks have done.

[@everythingessendon548]

Agreed, hopefully Laverde and co spend most of the year in the VFL, need our backline to stay fit

[@rylanrichardson5765]

What about Hobbs?

[@travispoorter8654]

@rylanrichardson5765 guys like Hobbs, cox, Perkins, Guelfi could all play, but will need to prove them selves imo

[@dannyades6768]

Cox can go away. Not AFL standard

[@travispoorter8654]

@@dannyades6768 we’ll see

[@alexinanalogue2645]

Pretty good team to be honest. Very competitive.

[@everythingessendon548]

It’s a good 23, depth is the issue

[@grixyvr268]

We might not do as bad as people think next season when they hear us playing the youth and what not but the ones that need gametime for our “rebuild” aren’t even bad players at all the likes of tsatas bryan el hawli kako caddy roberts they are all solid players

[@everythingessendon548]

So many players underperformed in 2024, plenty of room for upside this year.

[@grixyvr268]

@ Thats true and players are more fit and hungrier than ever seen as 23 of them got new personal bests in the 2ks

[@marksmithers2968]

I'm more than happy to see Shiel in there. He showed a lot when he got game time towards the end of last season. And with a solid preseason...yes. I'm not sold on Roberts being a starter. He's shown a lot but still think it'd be better to ease him into it with a game here or there as he strengthens his body up a bit. Durham not being a starter on the field is tough. I'd definitely have him on the wing instead of Roberts. Maybe even in the middle instead of Parish. Harry Jones yes, but needs to blossom this year or thats it for him. I'm happy to give 2MP one more chance. But would rather have Bryan in the side if thats the tradeoff. Draper up forward when not rucking has potential.

[@everythingessendon548]

Yep I wouldn't be surprised if Roberts is in the VFL at times next year.

[@Go_Bombers]

Wright needs to play for his confidence, if he can get that back he can be our most important player

[@everythingessendon548]

Agreed, we need that goal kicking marking target back.

[@jaymebruno1118]

Like the line up but really want to see el-hawli start on the wing or half back, I personally think he’s going to be a genuine star! Between him, roberts, clarke, Hayes and even archer day wicks all coming through, would love to see what they can all do, especially el-hawli atm!

[@ItMakesNoSense512]

Thanks again for the videos Felix - I really enjoy them. I’m looking forward to the season. Good team selection. Unfortunately, in my opinion, big Pete hasn’t been good for 2 years now. He simply can’t mark the ball under pressure, which is no good. Draper can, even though his kicking is a bit hit and miss. As proved last year, they have plenty of forward entries, but can’t convert. This new look forward line should be a lot better.

[@everythingessendon548]

A lot more space without Stringer there.

[@Rick-l8n2l]

Glad you are finally seeing the light on Tsatas, at least the kid seems like he wants to play. Perkins needs a rocket. 🚀

[@everythingessendon548]

Better late than never 😝

[@marksmithers2968]

It's nice that there's finally light to actually see. Hasn't shown anything at all until now.

[@TimBawden-jb6lt]

I like the updated version. Especially the forward line, definitely some scoring ability there. Guelfi has great forward defensive pressure though. Nic Martin will be very effective in a predominantly forward role. I think there's plenty of upside to work with this year 🔴 ⚫️ ✊️

[@everythingessendon548]

Guelfi very close, I just think Kako and Gresham work better together

[@bearzzy100]

@@everythingessendon548Gresham doesn’t have a defensive bone in his body. Guelfi is far from being a Star but he’s got that defensive mindset that we so desperately need on our Forward Line

[@18155456]

I have the following: McGrath McKay Reid Ridley Redman Roberts Duursma Caldwell Durham Martin Langford Caddy Gresham Wright Kako Draper Parish Merrett Hobbs Tsatas Bryan Guelfi El Hawli Shiel Jones Perkins

[@everythingessendon548]

Pretty similar! I think Jones will be a pretty handy this year

[@DesyncGaming.]

This is spot on! I'd swap Saad and Roberts though.

[@everythingessendon548]

Pretty close between them at the moment

[@Drakenhax]

Dylan Shiel was amazing when he came back at the end of last year. I keep saying this and people keep laughing at me. He's an All Australian..... You don't just accidentally become an AA. El Hawlii has been tearing up the wing. His speed and disposal has been fantastic. I think with our height we need Roberts in the back pocket not prior. I don't disagree with your team per se, but mine would look more like this McGrath - McKay - Roberts Redman - Reid - Ridley Dursma - Zerrett - Martin Jones - Caddy - Perkins Kako - Draper - Langford Bryan - Durham - Caldwell interchange - El Hawli, Parish, Statas, Shiel The game has gone faster, we need speed.

[@everythingessendon548]

Fair changes! A few players could be unlucky to miss.

[@dennisgreen6222]

Caldwell and Durham have made it hard for Hobbs to get a role in the midfield, and I wonder if he becomes a trade option next year... Any thoughts?

[@everythingessendon548]

Definitely possible, he is out of contract this year too.

[@oakleaves8370]

That best 23 makes a hole lot of sense. Peter Wright needs to grab marks. As he can't do that, Draper lock as FF. Setterfield should play if we need to bulk out the midfield. Nic Cox may well replace Ridley if he yet again goes down injured.

[@everythingessendon548]

I am not convinced by Setterfield, I prefer him as depth.

[@richardwood9177]

I’ve been saying Draper at CHF & #2 ruck for some time now but I’ll accept FF. Just not sure that Caddy is ready for such a pivotal role yet.

[@portray_stories]

I worry a bit about who is applying forward pressure in that line-up. Gresham didn't show it last year, and I remember you speaking about Kako's lack of defensive work before the draft. Has this changed with Kako during pre-season? Aside from that I think it's a good line up. Not sure about Roberts on a wing, but let's see. I think also good if guys like Perkins, Wright and the like are not walk-up starts, and maybe some significant time in the twos will see that drive and confidence come back...maybe.

[@everythingessendon548]

Kako has been working on his forward pressure a lot this pre-season, very good to see.

[@PluckYeahAgain]

I think you should always add the emergencies also. They are just as important as they are next in line replacing the inevitable injured or suspended players as are either coming back from injuries themselves and fighting to get back in, or being so close to being in the 23.. Here's mine 6 emergencies fully fit for that side: Hobbs Setterfield Cox Perkins ADJ Guelfi

[@everythingessendon548]

Good shout mate! Next best 23 video I will add it in.

[@bretttempleton836]

I like most of the team

[@everythingessendon548]

Hopefully they stay fit for us

[@rosssmith557]

Yep I really do like that best 23 agree agree agree 💯 go dons

[@everythingessendon548]

Great minds think alike

[@rosssmith557]

We can always swap dursma and martin here and there to like it

[@bobbob1800]

Thanks for your videos. I think Durham & Martin start in the midfield with Parish & Caldwell on the bench. We can’t go in with three ‘midgets’ in the midfield. Jones plays CHF and El Hawlii is definitely in ahead of Prior. Prior is only a depth player that’s it. Perkins will be in the side ahead of a 32 year old Shiel. This would be my side: B: McGrath McKay Ridley HB: Redman Reid Roberts C: Duursma Merrett Saad HF: Caddy Jones Langford F: Kako Draper Gresham R: Bryan Martin Durham Int: Parish, Caldwell, Perkins, Tsatas Sub: Shiel or Unwin

[@lancefranklin9425]

I honestly don't see how Durham is not in our starting midfield. This is a pretty cutting edge team, Draper as a FF is a lot of trust.

[@everythingessendon548]

Durham is only on the bench because he can play multiple roles, I think he will be more important than players I have on the field.

[@Capital.Bomber]

Haven't heard alot about Parish this pre season? Because of his break out year last year I have Duz in the starting line-up in front of Parish. If form and confidence are Wright's problems then you are correct to start him in the 2's.

[@everythingessendon548]

Been battling a bit of a niggle unfortunately.

[@bromeotorres6964]

Was rough seeing Perkins struggle so much second half of last year. Hope he bounces back in 2025.

[@zingleraster9124]

Agree

[@Drakenhax]

His fitness isn't great. Needs to get real. His center of gravity and hip strength is inside mid gold. He just needs to take football to next level and eat sleep breathe footy. Takes kids a few years to get it. Jobe Watson was hopeless at the start. All the talent. Zero motivation. I believe Perkins could be a Brownlow medalist if he had N Daicos mindset.

[@everythingessendon548]

The 2nd half of the year was rough, especially after that fast start.

[@Alby911]

I just don't see a player who absolutely loves the game, there's no urgency with Perkins and he has had a very clean run of health; and still looks lost at sea. Perkins has no more excuses left

[@sweatyfootenjoyer]

Because we saw how well having a super sub went last time lol.

[@everythingessendon548]

3rd times the charm!

[@Krisimmo]

Love it. Feel a bit bad for Hobbs as he is going to struggle for years to come.

[@everythingessendon548]

Yeah could be a tough year for him.

[@wenisman]

hard to leave out payers like hobbs, guelfi and menzie. But the team looks good. We really need a key forward, and ideally that could be Wright but hes just not firing and we have no back ups. Its hard to imagine Reid and Ridley playing much together, cox and fall back there but isnt ideal so I hope hayes gets a run this year too.

[@everythingessendon548]

I hope Reid and Ridley continue to stay fit, unfortunately this year it looks like McKay is the one starting behind the pack in terms of fitness.

[@Alby911]

I would've thought leaving Hobbs and Menzie would be easy, they are very limited footballers

[@wenisman]

​@@Alby911 unfortunately Menzie suffers from the terrible forward 50 entries so he hasn't really had much time to shine. And Hobbs I'm hopeful for but I can understand why he's left out of the best 23

[@Alby911]

@ - It's Menzie's inability to have clean possession, speed and pressure that's exposed his limited ability. I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt with second year blues, and injury niggle. But there were plenty of times Menzie shat the bed at crucial moments last year

[@wenisman]

@@Alby911 yeah, i was thinking back to his 2023 season and he was a handy player. but last year through injury, and probably struggling for form he was not as effective. but at 22 im willing to give him the benefit of the doubt

[@Rigzy9854]

Shiels foot skills at half back but I like his run, that’s what we need

[@everythingessendon548]

Yep, I think he’ll be a handy player this year

[@michaels2846]

I would swap Jones out for Setterfield, as our team is on the small/medium size. Apart from that, hard to argue with your line up. Nice work.

[@everythingessendon548]

I will need Setterfield to prove himself in the VFL, he hasn't looked like an AFL player in a long time.

[@MrMagicmatt05]

We have the same 23 players, just a few in different positions. I get the feeling Perkins will play, maybe for Parish as he hasn’t had much of a preseason. Practice matches will be interesting.

[@everythingessendon548]

A few players struggling a tad this pre-season, might be a couple late to start

[@stevescott8566]

Great Video Thanks. Maybe Wright needs to reboot himself in the two's as a ruck playing between forward and defensive 50's. Start Durham in place of gresham...My only change.

[@everythingessendon548]

Wright needs to dominate practice matches for me to have him in the team now.

[@kainf241]

Thoughs on tsatas being in best 22, think we need to give him or Hobbs extended shot in the mids esp if we rotate zachy more of the HBF this year? 🤔

[@everythingessendon548]

Tsatas showing much more than Hobbs this pre-season.

[@gavinarnott6065]

Really good team. Saad El Hawli might beat Prior for that small defender, who knows?

[@everythingessendon548]

Definitely possible, tough to predict that 6th defender.

[@garychristie3560]

Hi Felix, I think they have to start Tsatas in the middle and give him 4-5 games to see whether he cuts it. Too often when he got a game last year they played him on the wing or half forward rather than in the centre where he is more suited. Caldwell on interchange as still recovering from injury. Durham for Gresham. I think Gresham needs to earn his spot in best 18. If not Gresham, Durham for Roberts as Durham must start. I like the rest.

[@everythingessendon548]

Agreed, I think only play him if he gets midfield minutes, would hate to see him line up on a wing again.

[@drgntiger]

Like it, I assume if a Key defender gets injured, Langford back jones forward?

[@scraggythebeast141]

In game probably but laverde might get pulled up but I hope it’s Hayes tbh

[@drgntiger]

@scraggythebeast141 yeah in game I meant. I agree I want lewis to have shot ahead of laverde this year. Need to see if he got what it takes

[@everythingessendon548]

Langford has spent a few sessions working on his defence, he’ll be the break glass in case of emergency option

[@FluffyKing43]

I agree that that is our best 23 but, most of the year a lot of the kids are gonna be playing so I don’t see us winning many games apart from the main ones m Anzac Day, Dreamtime and King’s birthday eve because our best 23 will definitely play all 3 of them games if available.

[@everythingessendon548]

Injuries are inevitable as well, will be plenty of chances for the youngsters.

[@dylan41211]

Thoughts on laverde potential move back forward? Bloke worked hard as hell just had trouble getting it between the sticks

[@liushuai2993]

Agree! The only reason why he went to the back was because Rutten reconed he was a defender. The problem with that was that Rutten thought EVERYONE was a defender, because HE was a defender. Anyway, not long now to wait... bring on the footy!

[@everythingessendon548]

I think he is better off as depth for our defence, one injury there and we are in trouble.

[@Alby911]

Please no, just move on and focus on youth. Laverde's career started as a failed forward and at his age, he isn't going to magically get any better IMO

[@bearzzy100]

@@liushuai2993the move of Laverde to Defense was a smart move. He was moved to HBF and reinvigorated his Career. The issue was that he had to play a Key Position Role due to injuries to Francis and Hooker and another Player who I can’t recall at the moment.

[@rosssmith557]

If we get a injury down back it could be interesting to throw write or goldy down there for a look LoL

[@everythingessendon548]

Wouldn’t trust Goldy to run with a forward, he’s 90 years old

[@rosssmith557]

@@everythingessendon548 lmao yer ok

[@StevenBoyle-fg4nc]

So the 3 we got for Joe Daniher (Cox, Perkins, Reid), only 1 is in our best team and he is injury prone! Has the issue been in recruiting or development?

[@wp1612]

There are about a dozen OK-solid players on our list who could have been traded in the off season to bolster our forward line and get more goals/per game in there

[@everythingessendon548]

Bit of both I feel, Cox has been shafted with the constant positional changes after an impressive debut season.

[@Alby911]

2020 was just a shocking draft, Covid made it hard to judge the best of the best given how much they missed footy. And when you have Dodoro's philosophy of best available, it was a recipe for disaster. Touch wood at least 1 of them will be a solid contributor

[@darrenkoglin3423]

100% Perkins&Wright until they show something regularly

[@everythingessendon548]

Yep, need them to dominate reserves

[@zingleraster9124]

Agree with your picks but my mindset now is that Draper provides sporadic cult hero contributions & he needs to be traded so that we can develop Bryan.

[@michaelobrien4259]

He became a cult hero because he played so well. Keep him if we can.

[@everythingessendon548]

At his best he is really damaging, just need him to remain consistent.

[@18155456]

I don’t understand the Prior thing. What about Archie Roberts?

[@everythingessendon548]

Prior and Roberts can fit in the same team together, Prior is also more physically developed than Roberts.

[@Alby911]

Prior is actually a good player who got stuck behind Lions' stacked team, if anything else he is solid depth for us

[@wp1612]

Agree with back 6/7 but not sure about Prior (maybe Roberts instead) On the wing would have Durham (instead of Roberts) In the forward line would include Wright, Langford, Martin, El-Hawli plus others - bit worries about forward line, the forward 6/7 of top sides average much more per game Would have Tsatas (instead of Caldwell) on ball Draper on bench (if go with second ruck) Don’t understand the Wright negativity - when he plays he kicks 1.5-2 goals per game on average (35/40 goals per season), which is better than any of the kids or other experienced forwards, with the exception of Langford. And he can swing into ruck if play one ruck and he goes down injured. Maybe just need more realistic expectations with Wright and stick with him regardless of short-term form.

[@everythingessendon548]

Prior definitely on the fringe, I probably rate him more than others.

[@peterbethell2133]

Bryan, Draper, Wright will never work in the one team, especially under lights, outdoors. Let Peter Wright start in the twos and monitor Draper's ability to hit the scoreboard. If he does, sorry for Wright but he is really a one trick pony at best. Maybe the odd game at Marvel is his only chance. Otherwise, don't mind the look of that layout, Guelfi? Well if healthy he plays a role. Now all we need is a game plan that will stack up and not make the team look stupid! Thanks for your stimulating content mate.

[@everythingessendon548]

Wright really needs to start showing more or he will lose his place to Bryan for good.

[@jatari18]

I appreciate your videos and your optimism. But i disagree when you make claims that players who havent debuted "will get plenty of games of footy this year". Brad would need to do a full 180 on his team selection process for that to be possible.

[@liushuai2993]

Absolutely true and correct.

[@everythingessendon548]

I don't think he will have a choice this year, a quarter of the list is yet to play a game, he will be forced to play guys who haven't played footy yet.

[@brancat94]

As long as Nik Cox is no where near that best 23 im happy

[@rylanrichardson5765]

Not an Essendon supporter but what about Ben Hobbs?

[@garychristie3560]

Unfortunately wrong body shape and size as Essendon already have too many small mids. Quite likely at another club next year

[@everythingessendon548]

Bit out of favour at the moment, might take a few injuries for him to find his way into the first team.

[@macdouglas1087]

I’d prefer tsatas over parish IMO. Tsatas could be the next Clayton Oliver

[@everythingessendon548]

Big year for him, needs to start showing he can match it with AFL midfields.

[@Chuckakhan]

We will win the wooden spoon if we play Draper as our full forward

[@everythingessendon548]

Something to add to the trophy cabinet

[@richiek3188]

How does Reid get a game. I hope I'm wrong about him, but I don't think he's going to make much of an impact this year.

[@everythingessendon548]

He’ll play if fit, just needs to stay on the park

[@grixyvr268]

I would take merrett out of the centre and put durham in the centre and put merrett for parish and parish on the bench because we need the balance in it think of it like port Adelaide they always start JHF or butters on the bench even though JHF butters and rozee are their 3 best mids its for balance

[@everythingessendon548]

I only really have Durham on the bench because his role is more flexible, I think he will be a more important player than Parish.

[@droquet6961]

Great Felix! We all need to stop kidding ourselves with Perkins. Hes had far more time and consistency in his role to prove himself and he hasnt. El Hawli, Jones, Tsatas, Roberts and even Hobbs have either had role changes or just not a consistent run of games but have still shown more determination, adaptability and consistency than Perkins. Perkins isnt even in our best 30 imo.

[@everythingessendon548]

If Perkins wants to prove himself he will have to do it through the VFL.

[@waltersblattero7688]

I'm a fan of Hobbs, I just dont think he has had a good run at it, He was very good in his first year and i think he has a real crack. I would have him in for Gresham who is just lazy, no defensive skills and just wants the easy ball.

[@everythingessendon548]

I want him to demand his spot through the VFL, haven't completely lost faith in him, but I would rather him play in the midfield where he belongs.

[@gettinhungrig2]

Knew it, no Shiel. You really hate him don't you? Definitely in best 22

[@everythingessendon548]

I have Shiel in my team.

[@bl8336]

Saad El Hawli in front of Roberts for sure and Id have Tsatas ahead of Parish

[@everythingessendon548]

Fair changes! Tight for spots

[@bearzzy100]

Perkins, Wright and Gresham need to step up in my view. No more gifted games based on potential. No effort, no game.

[@everythingessendon548]

Definitely, we need senior players to start performing.

[@The123fiona]

Not a single dissenter about Ben McKay at full back so far. I can't name a single team that would swap their 2024 full back for McKay. He's probably the highest paid full back and must be close to the worst defender in the league. His 2024 stats are worse than Brandon Zerk Thatcher's and we were all mighty relieved to see him go. Its time to take off our rose coloured glasses, admit we made a monstrous blunder and move him on.

[@everythingessendon548]

Unsure what stats you are looking at, he is statistically one of the best intercept defenders in the league, and he is only being paid large amounts early into his career, his contract supposedly averages out to around 800k a season which is below quite a number of defenders.

[@Retratobot]

Perkins has a lot potential and talent but he doesn’t love footy.

[@everythingessendon548]

Need Caldwell and co to share that passion with him

[@richardwood9177]

Prefer Martin on the Wong ahead of Roberts.

[@mal1760]

Lots of negativity towards Perkins out there, but not me, put him in.

[@everythingessendon548]

Not completely lost on him, but he needs to show a bit more consistency.

[@bretttempleton836]

No offence BIG SAMMY DRAPER IS STARTING RUCK not a forward

[@everythingessendon548]

I think he’ll split ruck with Bryan and rest up forward, he’s looked good in front of goals this pre-season

[@Manwithoutplans]

Giving perkins a stint in the vfl will only help him. He needs to play out a lot of games there so he can understand he’s not guaranteed a list spot. I’d switch Shiel and El-Hawli for the first couple games and just have shiel play out the last quarter or couple minutes just to see where we stand. I just think Saad is going to be more desperate to prove and solidify his spot which gives us a lot more presence on the ground. Think of Durham, Caldwell, Caddy and Merrett. They run both ways because they desperately want to win which is what I see from El-Hawli. His end of year review really sold me on his beliefs as a player.

[@everythingessendon548]

Hoping Saad can reach the level we expect from him, I reckon he’ll be a really handy player

[@richardwood9177]

Prefer Harry Jones @ HFF.

[@Rigzy9854]

Not sure what you see in Prior, shit skills, plenty ahead of him.

[@everythingessendon548]

I think he’ll surprise a few this year, can see him playing a fair bit of footy

[@jpw5029]

Essendon is cooked, destined for nothing.

[@everythingessendon548]

That's the spirit!

[@jpw5029]

@ lol. but good analysis, props for that.