Here is a look at some of the better performers in the VFL, who may come in to contention for a call-up to the senior line-up for the ANZAC Day game against Collingwood.

The injury to Jayden Laverde will force at least one change at the selection table later this week.

Ryan Crowley

In his first game at VFL level, the veteran gathered 24 disposals in the dominant win. More known for his midfield exploits, he looked dangerous when stationed in the forward 50 and could have finished with more than his two goals if not for some inaccurate kicking. 

Shaun McKernan

Was clearly the dominant big man on the ground against North Ballarat in his first game of the VFL home and away season. He gathered the ball through the middle of the ground, but also had a big impact inside the 50, kicking three goals from six scoring shots.

Assistant coach Dan Jordan spoke of McKernan’s impact post match Friday night, “He is just a really powerful target for us and he is pretty hard to stop at VFL level. He will stake his claim to go up again; it’s great to see him performing at this level.”

The 25 year-old could come in to provide some additional support to Joe Daniher and Matthew Leuenberger.

Courtenay Dempsey

Dempsey was named in the Bombers best on Friday night, with 20 touches and goal in his first game of the season after serving a  suspension.

After a solid VFL showing, Dempsey’s inclusion into the senior lineup may hinge simply on his fitness or more particularly, his match conditioning.

His 119 games of AFL experience would be a welcome addition to the young Bombers ahead of the annual blockbuster.

Shaun Edwards

Purely as a like-for-like replacement for Laverde, they don’t come much better than Edwards. Both are listed at 190cm, with Edwards just 2kg heavier. After nine senior games last season, Edwards has shown some promising glimpses in the VFL including 18 touches and a goal Friday night.

Jackson Merrett

Played the opening three games at AFL level and his name will be sure to come up around the selection table this week. The older of the Merrett brothers was lively across the wing and half forward finding plenty of space. He finished with 21 disposals, five tackles, five inside 50’s and two goals as he pushed his case for a recall. 

Jonathan Simpkin

Simpkin may come back into contention for his first senior game since round one after a couple of solid outings in the lower grade. The premiership Hawk had 25 touches and a goal Friday night, backing up from his 30 possessions in round one.