AS Essendon starts its arduous task of finding 10 top-up players before the AFL season begins in March, one former O and M star has put his hand up for a lifeline.
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Former Yarrawonga and Wangaratta Rovers onballer Zac O’Brien last week signed with SANFL premiers West Adelaide, but is willing to return to Windy Hill. The hard-running midfielder was drafted to the Brisbane Lions from Essendon’s VFL team in 2013.
He believes he would be a perfect fit if John Worsfold wants ready-made players.
“I’m fit and ready to go if an opportunity came up on Essendon’s top-up list,” the 25-year-old said.
I’m fit and ready to go if an opportunity came up on Essendon’s top-up list.
- Zac O'Brien
“I think it would be a good fit for me.
“I played there previously.
“That was where I was drafted from.
“Having two years in the AFL system will hold me in good stead.”
The Bombers will scour the country for the best 10 players outside the AFL, after 12 current Bombers, and five now at rival clubs, were suspended as part of the 2012 drugs regimen.
O’Brien was delisted by the Brisbane Lions in October, after 13 games over two seasons with the AFL outfit.
He was then overlooked in the rookie draft.
O’Brien, who won Brisbane’s reserves best-and-fairest, spoke to Essendon’s VFL team, while Box Hill also showed interest, before he settled on West Adelaide.
Essendon’s midfield has particularly taken a battering, with captain Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell and Brent Stanton suspended.
“They’ve lost a few midfielders so if the opportunity was to arise I think I’d be a good fit,” O’Brien said.
“Most of the coaches and fitness staff are still the same as when I played there.
“I think it would be an easy transition.
“I’ve got a lot of mates there so I feel for the players that have been banned.”
