WINDERLICH, Jason

Jason Winderlich was recruited from Gippsland Power and debuted in Round 7, 2003, against Richmond at the MCG.

He was a skilful and sometimes brilliant forward/midfielder and his lightning pace, good defensive pressure and hardness at the ball were hallmarks of his game. His speed coupled with his accuracy around goals saw him carve out a successful career in the forward line.

He was a regular member of the senior leadership and over the latter part of his career he became a strong leader and mentor for the Club's younger players. This was acknowledged when he was awarded the 2006 Bill Hutchison Award for Contribution to EFC Community Programs. He won the Most Improved Player award in 2007.

He suffered a prolapsed disk in 2008 which required surgery. He was back to his best in 2009, playing 19 games for the year and kicking a career-high four goals in his 100th game against Carlton. He also polled 10 Brownlow votes, the equal best of any Essendon player that season and finished fifth in the Club's Best and Fairest award.

He followed that with a solid 2010, playing another 19 games. It seemed that his career was back on track, but an ACL injury in Round 4 in 2011 finished his year and he didn't return until Round 18, 2012.

He played 12 and 16 games in 2013 and 2014 and there was talk of him joining Richmond. He was persuaded to play one more season but a troublesome back injury kept him out until Round 13 and then a shin injury finished his season and he announced his retirement.