Young Bomber Irving Mosquito’s cleanliness and pressure has senior coach John Worsfold seriously considering naming the draftee for his senior debut against Carlton on Sunday.
A season-best three goals against Richmond at Punt Rd last Saturday added to what has been an impressive inaugural season at The Hangar for Mosquito, with his athleticism and skill dazzling throughout his seven VFL games.
“He’s really coming along well. He’s strung some good footy together over the last month or so and he’s been very clean and has been putting a lot of pressure on at VFL level,” Worsfold said on Thursday.
“He gets his opportunity to come into the squad and we’ll have a serious look at him.”
Irving Mosquito celebrates one of his three goals against the Tigers last week. (Image: AFL Photos)
Jake Stringer and Dylan Shiel are the only two confirmed outs from the side at this stage due to hamstring injuries, with Mosquito among six possible inclusions on the extended bench.
Worsfold said Shiel was “close” to proving his fitness on the track this week after being cleared of any tear to his hamstring, but the star midfielder just couldn’t tick all of the required boxes.
“We were rapt that he didn’t actually present with an actual tear, but there’s obviously something going on with that muscle where we needed to see what he could do throughout the week and he hasn’t really been totally clear with that.
“It all looks great for post the bye that he will be up and going.”
Experienced forwards Mitch Brown and Mark Baguley are in the mix to line up against the Blues and Worsfold was full of praise for the pair after strong efforts against the Tigers in the VFL last week.
“(Brown is) just a great work horse out in the field and presents up really well as a forward, always gives a contest.
“He did that on the weekend and he comes into the squad on the back of what he was doing prior to getting injured and what he showed in the VFL on the weekend.
“‘Baggers’ played his role really well; he kicked two goals, had four shots at goal, had seven tackles.
“He really did exactly what we wanted him to do and it’s great to have him available again.”
Mitch Brown could add another option to the forward line on Sunday. (Image: AFL Photos)
Emerging talents Jordan Ridley and Dylan Clarke have also put their hand up to return to AFL level following a string of consistent efforts.
“Jordan’s certainly growing as one of our young players and he keeps knocking on the door for selection,” Worsfold said.
“He deserves his spot in the squad and we’re really excited about what he’s going to continue to bring to the side.
“(Clarke) has been very consistent again, carrying on from his form from last year as well.
“If he gets the opportunity, we’re really pleased for him. He puts his hand up every week.”
Zac Clarke rounds out the new faces on the extended bench, but Worsfold admitted it is unlikely he will take his place in the side with first-choice ruckman Tom Bellchambers expected to take on the Blues.
