MICHAEL, Sam

Sam Michael was a strong marking, big-boned player who could play forward or back and also provide relief in the ruck.

He represented Queensland in the 2010 Under 18 National Championships and earned admission into the AIS/AFL Academy. He was drafted by the Brisbane Lions and played three games as a rookie, but could not cement a permanent spot.

He was selected by Essendon with an ASADA Suspension Compensation Top-Up Pick when 26 Essendon players were unable to play because of the supplements saga. He was given a short-term contract in February 2015 to play in the pre-season NAB Challenge and his form was good enough for Essendon to offer him a one-year contract as one of the ten "top-up" players who replaced the senior players suspended due to the supplements saga.

He made his Essendon debut in a narrow loss to St Kilda at Docklands in Round 16. He played his second, and last game, game in an away loss to Adelaide.

Michael was delisted at the end of the 2016 season.