It was a tough night at the office for the Bombers on Saturday night against Casey, going down by 86 points.
The Scorpions led every key statistical area but a few Bombers put their hand up for AFL selection.
Jonathan Simpkin
26 disposals (15 kicks, 11 handballs), five marks, two tackles, five inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s.
Simpkin has been consistent in his three games back in the VFL, with 19, 35 and now 26 disposals. Adds vital experience to the group and used the ball well when he was able to avoid the serious pressure from the opposition.
Mathew Stokes
18 disposals (eight kicks, 10 handballs), one goal, five marks, three tackles, two inside 50’s.
Did what he needed to do in his comeback from injury and could be an immediate senior recall to help fill the leadership void left by Brendon Goddard’s injury. Stokes competed well across the wing and half forward but more importantly got through the game unscathed and moved freely.
Kyle Langford
20 disposals (nine kicks, 11 handballs), five marks, one tackle, two inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Playing just his third game of VFL this season, Langford competed hard all game against a red hot Casey midfield winning much of his ball in tight around the contest.
Ryan Crowley
26 disposals (13 kicks, 13 handballs), six marks, one tackle, two rebound 50’s.
Crowley is never far from the action putting his hand up to extend on his eight AFL matches this season. Crowley’s a strong body which could come in handy up against the young Gold Coast outfit. Has played three VFL games since coming back from injury gathering 26, 24 and 26 disposals.
Best of the VFL
Vic Carboni
19 disposals (13 kicks, six handballs), two marks, two tackles, two inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
Just his fourth game of VFL this season and by far his best. Looked to be one of the few Bombers willing to take the game on, using his speed to take ground from the opposition and force Essendon forward.
Sam Heavyside
17 disposals (six kicks, 11 handballs), nine marks, four tackles, two inside 50’s.
One of the Bombers small forwards, but took a game high nine marks including five contested and was a key target for the side all night.
Nash Holmes
15 disposals (six kicks, nine handballs), one goal, four marks, 10 tackles, four inside 50’s.
Continually stood up to the Casey onslaught with his physicality, laying a team high 10 tackles. Brings an aggressive edge to the Bombers midfield.
