wedgetail wrote:Great news for Eagles fans- Nick O'Brien will not be a 'top-up' player for Essendon in 2016. Is back out training with the Eagles and raring to go.
In other news, Luke Thompson refused an offer from EFC to go and train to try and get a top-up spot and Redden highly unlikely to go to PAP if they are allowed to choose a ruckman replacement.
Excellent news. Not really surprised that Thompson decided to pass over the offer. He probably has moved onto the next stage of his life and is concentrating on his career outside footy rather than uprooting his life for one year with the slimmest of chance of getting back onto the list. Realistically having not played in the AFL for two years and not having an AFL pre-season behind him would mean he would unlikely to star so probably would not be redrafted at the end of 2016.
O'brien's refusal is more puzzling. I thought the whole reason he is coming here was to have a great season and to get re-drafted back to AFL i.e. he is keen to get back into the AFL system. If he was offered the opportunity to go back with Essendon then it is surprising he turned it down. I can only imagine he thinks that if he was to return that he would still only be a depth player and continue to play VFL footy for most part of the season and that given the choice, regular appearances in the SANFL would be more beneficial for getting noticed.
Whatever the case, its great news for the Eagles. Can't wait for the season to start.