Essendon moved a game clear inside the top eight of the VFL ladder following Sunday’s 23-point win over Frankston at Frankston Oval on Sunday.
In windy and heavy conditions, the Bombers led by 54 points at three-quarter time before the Dolphins hit back with a six goal to one final term.
The final term took the gloss of what was one of the better Bomber performances this season in the opening half in particular.
Here are some of the standout players from the match who may come into consideration for senior selection Saturday against Richmond.
James Polkinghorne
21 disposals (eight kicks, 13 handballs), one goal, one behind, one mark, five tackles, four inside 50’s.
Could just be a permanent mention in this article whenever he plays at VFL level. Polky just did as he has done all season, hard and willing in the contest and breaking away to get his share of ball on the outside.
Mason Redman
15 disposals (11 kicks, four handballs), three goals, six marks, eight tackles, three inside 50’s.
Looks like Redman wants another taste of the top level before the season is done and is turning into a reliable contributor in the state league. Redman’s creativity forward of centre is a highlight and finished with three goals, which could have easily been more if not for some unselfish play. Kicked a beauty from outside 50.
Nick Kommer
12 disposals (six kicks, six handballs), four marks, two tackles, seven inside 50’s.
Kom has hopefully put the injury concerns behind him and looked a different player on the weekend being fast and clean. Was a constant target moving forward and was rarely standing still. Was often the target up around half forward and on the wing, pumping the ball inside forward 50.
Shaun Edwards
18 disposals (11 kicks, seven handballs), one goal, five marks, nine tackles, three inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.
Copped some criticism last week but responded in style on Sunday. Didn’t try and do too much with the ball but continued to get the ball and take on the opposition with his run which set up numerous goals. Led the Bombers tackle count with nine, showing he was staying involved.
Best of VFL
Aaron Heppell
18 disposals (10 kicks, eight handballs), three marks, eight tackles, three inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s.
Had one of the tougher jobs of the day paying close attention to Frankston ball magnet Ben Cavara for much of the afternoon, keeping him to 11 touches. Heppell limited his influence and but also joined in many of the Bombers many attacking advances.
Daniel Coghlan
27 disposals (17 kicks, 10 handballs), one goal, six marks, two tackle, four inside 50’s, one rebound 50
When the game was at its hottest early, the skipper was leading by example. Cogs pumped the Dons into attack with his penetrating left foot and also kicked a classy goal during the first quarter barrage. His 27 touches is his highest possession tally of the season.
Nash Holmes
23 disposals (12 kicks, 11 handballs), one goal, one behind, two marks, eight tackles, three inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Holmes would have been licking his lips at the conditions on Sunday which suit his game to a tee. Heavy, scrappy and with plenty of stoppages, the Gippsland Power product relished the conditions to put arguably his best performance so far this season. He has set an extremely high standard in his four games so far.
