Essendon’s “tall timber” draftees ring a familiar tone
Essendon went tall at the 2020 national draft. (From left): Zach Reid, Josh Eyre, Cody Brand and Nik Cox. Photos: AFL MEDIA As the old saying goes, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. And in Essendon’s case, you certainly can’t blame it for enshrining that maxim in its drafting strategy earlier this month. Fifteen years ago, the Bombers embarked on a “spine first” recruiting policy, which saw them select Paddy Ryder in 2005, Cale Hooker and Tom Bellchambers in 2007, Michael Hurley in 2008,...