Andy Maher has made a double declaration about Essendon’s Jordan Ridley.
Ridley, 22, starred for the Bombers in 2020, winning the best and fairest while making the 40-man All-Australian squad after playing just nine AFL games prior to the season.
While discussing this season’s ‘Runway’ players who are expected to go to another level in 2021, Maher forecast a massive year for Ridley.
“There’s a bloke who is very highly rated,” he said on SEN’s Bob & Andy.
“It’s his fifth year, he didn’t play any footy in the year after his draft.
“Essendon best and fairest already last year, All-Australian expanded squad member last year, I am saying that Jordan Ridley will be an All-Australian player this year.
“In the brief glimpses I’ve seen of two quarters in a practice match at Princes Park a couple of weeks ago, and the game against Geelong on the weekend, Jordan Ridley is playing with a calmness, assurance and an absolute confidence in what he does.
“I think that he knows he’s a bit better than some of the blokes he’s playing against. He knows how good he is this kid.
“I like everything about him. He’s a beautiful size, he’s a beautiful mover, he’s grown into his body, he’s a lovely kick and very good above his head.
“I love him. I wish he was playing for my team. I think he’s absolutely magnificent.
“My declaration is that he will win back-to-back B&Fs at Essendon, unless Darcy Parish beats him, and he will be an All-Australian team member at the end of the year.”
Ridley had 25 disposals and took six marks against Geelong in the AAMI Community Series last week in a very impressive tune up for Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on March 20.
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