Essendon’s List Needs: Archetype Priorities

We’ve had this prepared for weeks, but it kept getting bumped aside thanks to the endless stream of hot takes about Essendon’s “culture” from the AFL Media Machine. Which is ironic, considering how often we’re told the Bombers are “irrelevant.”

Setting the noise aside, 2025 has highlighted some clear gaps in our list. Rather than looking at positions in isolation, we’ve ranked the archetypes Essendon should be targeting.

What do we mean by archetypes?

In football list management, an archetype is a player “type” defined by their traits, style, and role rather than just their position. For example, Jordan Ridley and Ben McKay are both Key Defenders, but they are different archetypes. Jordan a bit more flexible in who can play on, intercepts through reading the play, Ben is more a traditional type Key Defender, plays on the big bodies and intercepts by beating his direct opponent. Every successful team needs the right blend of archetypes to balance its list.

Before we get started, we've identified that Essendon is well stocked for talls at the moment. We're still waiting for Sam Draper's decision, but we have just re-signed Nick Bryan and Vigo Visentini, a ruck isn't a desperate need. It's our belief that we have an over-supply of Key Defenders, and we re-stocked our Key Forward cupboard at the Mid-Season Draft.

With that in mind, here’s our ranking of Essendon’s top five list needs, in descending order.

5. Transition Midfielders

Think: Bailey Smith, Andrew Brayshaw, Hugh McCluggage, Errol Gulden

Players who can win their own footy but also cover ground, connect defence to attack, and support transition. Essendon has some of these already: Darcy Parish (when fit), Zach Merrett, and Nic Martin can all play the role. Parish is as good as any in the league at it, though he has often been forced to shoulder more of the inside work, fully fit and in a Geelong side with the right balance of midfield archetypes, he'd be celebrated in the same way Bailey Smith is.

You can never have too many quality mids, and these archetypes often double as effective high half-forwards. So while not the biggest gap, it’s still an area worth topping up if the right draft prospect presents.

4. Distributing Half-Backs

Think: Jack Sinclair, Jordan Clark, Bailey Dale, Lachie Ash

This is the rebounding half-back who can launch attacks with precise ball use. With Zak Johnson arriving, Mason Redman established, and youngsters like Angus Clarke and Saad El-Hawli showing promise, this isn’t urgent.

Still, Essendon doesn’t have a surplus of elite kicks, and the modern game is built on run-and-carry from half-back. If an option like draft prospect Josh Lindsay is available, it shouldn’t be ignored.

3. High Half-Forward / Mid Hybrids

Think: Gryan Miers, Zac Bailey, Alex Neal-Bullen

Every forward line needs these connectors. They’re hard runners who can push up to the contest, create overlap, and hit the scoreboard. Jade Gresham looks best suited to this role, while we’ve also seen flashes from Kako. Next Generation Academy prospect Adam Sweid should find his way to Essendon this November and we expect starts his career in this part of the ground.

They don't always get big numbers, but good ones have a big impact in their ability to close and create space.

This is also a role where smart “Moneyball” recruiting could pay off. Someone like Collingwood’s Beau McCreery, who was pivotal in their recent win against Melbourne, shows the impact the right type of player can have. He's been talked about as someone who might be looking for a new home, he'd be high on our shopping list.

2. Inside Contested Midfielders

Think: Matt Rowell, Tom Green, Tom Liberatore

This was very close to number one. The Bombers desperately need a genuine contested beast to free others up. Darcy Parish, Nic Martin, and even Sam Durham are all capable inside, but it forces them away from roles where they could be more damaging.

Add a true inside bull, and suddenly Parish can become the transition mid he’s best suited to, Martin can rotate between midfield and half forward, so can Durham. The whole midfield balance improves. Names like Alex Davies (Gold Coast) have been linked to a potential move. In the draft the names to look out for are Willem Duursma, Dyson Sharp, and Oliver Greeves.

1. Goal-Kicking / Explosive Midfielders

Think: Chad Warner, Ed Richards, Isaac Heeney, Bailey Humphrey, Jason Horne-Francis

This is the archetype every club covets and the one Essendon needs most. A midfielder who can burst from stoppage and hit the scoreboard. They’re rare, they’re hard to trade for because of the price, and when you find one, you move heaven and earth to get them.

Harley Reid is the obvious example, and Essendon will be one of 17 clubs that tries to make a deal happen if he decides to leave the Eagles. Marcus Windhager could become one if released from his current negating role. Draft watchers should also note Sam Cumming from North Adelaide.

Sam Durham might one day grow into this role, but at present he’s covering too much inside grunt work. If Essendon can use an early draft pick to land this archetype, it would transform the balance of the midfield mix.

The Wrap

Essendon has talent on the list and depth in key positions, but to take the next step, it needs to sharpen its mix of archetypes through the midfield and we include Half-Forward and Half-Back in that.

• Transition runners give the side flow.

• Rebounding half-backs keep ball movement clean.

• High half-forwards connect the chain and apply pressure.

• Inside bulls unlock others around them.

• Explosive goal-kicking mids change games.

The Bombers may not be able to tick all five boxes in one off-season, but recognising the archetype gaps, not just positions is the next step to building a list that can truly contend.

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This article was first produced for our Round 24 v Gold Coast Preview Episode, released on August 24, 2025. You can listen in full here.

Photo Credit: Essendon Football Club