ESSENDON has stockpiled an impressive group of emerging talls under coach Matthew Knights.

The Bombers fans were understandably gutted by a dramatic draw with the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday night that could scupper their chances of September action in 2009.

But look on the bright side, there will be a future after full-back Dustin Fletcher, full-forward Matthew Lloyd and centre half-forward Scott Lucas hang up the boots.

The red and black army have been dreading the day this star trio decides to retire from the AFL.

As the day gets nearer, the future seems to be brightening.

Tayte Pears is set to become hot property after just 23 games.

Age is no barrier for the 19-year-old defender who accepts whatever defensive task is asked of him.

The latest test was one of the biggest in the game, Lions forward Jonathan Brown, who was unnerved in his attack on the contest.

Michael Hurley, taken with pick five in the 2008 draft out of the Northern Knights, was almost a ready-made league footballer.

Credit has to go to the Knights for his development and to the Bombers for taking a punt on a medium-sized player with their first selection, instead of the fashionable speedy midfielder or beanpole ruckman/forward.

Hurley, who stands at 193centimetres and weighs 91kilograms, has shown in recent weeks his versatility to play as either a lead-up forward or a spoiling defender.

Another youngster to bring a smile to the faces of the Bombers fans would be Jay Neagle.

Strongly built, quick on the lead, a sound pair of hands and a nice kick, he will be the first in line to replace Lloyd - the greatest full-forward to land at Windy Hill.

Father-son pick-up Darcy Daniher booted five goals for the Bendigo Bombers against the Coburg Tigers in the VFL on Saturday.