SEN host Andy Maher has encouraged Essendon to bolster their list with a “proper, established, ready-to-go tall forward” to help them challenge for a flag next year.
Despite Friday night’s disappointing loss to Geelong, the Bombers have quickly become one of the most exciting and watchable teams in 2021 under new senior coach Ben Rutten.
Speaking on SEN's Crunch Time, Maher admitted the Bombers have got “a lot of things going right at the moment,” but suggested that looking beyond this season, recruiting a key forward would propel their chances of success.
Justin Leppitsch, Craig Jennings and Nick Dal Santo all agreed with Maher, though Dal Santo questioned whether there are any significant options on the market.
“Looking forward yes, absolutely (Essendon) need a forward, but as I quickly scan the market, I don’t think there (are) any genuine big men out there right now,” Dal Santo said.
“They are desperate for a key forward.”
Dal Santo’s comments prompted Maher to list a number of out-of-contract forwards, and ask whether any of those options would be an appropriate recruit for Essendon in 2022.
Out of the “old blokes”, which included Levi Casboult, Mason Cox, Josh Jenkins and Sam Day, only Day was deemed a good option by Leppitsch and Jennings.
The longer-term prospects included Jake Ricciardi, Jacob Koschitzke and Sam Weideman, with the latter considered an especially attractive prospect by all.
It remains to be seen if Essendon will look to re-sign current key forward Cale Hooker, with the loyal servant coming out of contract this year.