It’s the kind of problem most coaches in the Peter Jackson VFL would love to have.
Essendon coach Hayden Skipworth , who will his lead the Bombers’ new standalone VFL side this season, has an embarrassment of riches to choose from.
Not only will the Bombers’ considerable depth, particularly in the key position department, be the envy of most clubs but so too will the long list of new recruits.
But for Skipworth, who says the focus is firmly on playing finals football, the challenge will be molding a cohesive unit that can cope with players swapping between the VFL side and the AFL outfit regularly.
Such is the competition for sports in Essendon’s AFL line-up that Skipworth is likely to begin the season this weekend against Bendigo Gold on Friday night with Scott Gumbleton, David Hille and Tate Pears at his disposal.
The trio of talls form part of a formidable spine and could be surrounded by the likes of Leroy Jetta, Corey Dell’Olio and Nathan Lovett-Murray.
Arguably even more exciting for the Bombers’ faithful is the development in Essendon’s first, second and third-year players.
“We’ve got a lot of good kids who will be fighting for spots,” Skipworth said.
“Elliot Kavanagh is a second-year player who just missed out (on AFL selection) the other night, then we’ve got Nick O’Brien and Trav Colyer .”
“Trav has had a really good pre-season and is bit stronger which will help him with the contested side of the game.”
The VFL list is also brimming with talent and depth after a fruitful recruiting campaign over summer.
Ex-Melbourne forward Matthew Bate and delisted Gold Coast Suns defender Josh Toy will be looking to prove they still have what it takes to play AFL football, while former Sandringham ruckman Michael Sikora will provide valuable back-up in the ruck department.
The depth of talent at Windy Hill looms as one of the biggest challenges facing Skipworth who will be managing players desperate to make move up to the senior side.
”It’s always a challenge with team selection but so far the guys have been really good,” Skipworth said.
“We’ve had some good results in the practice matches and the guys who have come back seem to be really enjoying themselves.
“They’ve certainly engaged with what we’re trying to do here and helped work with the young guys on our list.”
Essendon
Coach: Hayden Skipworth
Key recruits: Josh Toy (Gold Coast Suns), Ben Dusher, Josh Freezer, Trent Shinners (Bendigo Bombers) Matthew Bate (Melbourne) Michael Sikora (Sandringham)
First match: Bendigo Gold, Queen Elizabeth Oval, April 5
Last Modified on 05/04/2013 10:59