Developing young forward Jordan Houlahan says playing alongside some of the more experienced Dons has helped improve his own game.  

In just his second year at the club, the 20-year-old South Australian has already kicked more goals this season than he finished up with at the end of last year, crediting his teammates for their support.

“I’ve found myself in better positions this year. Obviously working with some of the older players at the club as well, I’ve been getting into the right positions and I think that’s really helping me on the field," Houlahan said.

“Playing as forward I like to contribute on the scoreboard, and (I’ve been focusing on) getting contest to contest, going for my marks and working on my ground-ball gets as well. I do a lot (of work) on that during the week at the club.” 

Houlahan started strong in Sunday’s 12-point victory over Werribee with three first-half goals, and was pleased with the way the group handled its fast-finishing opponents, who levelled the scores late. 

“It was pretty tough in the last quarter – (Werribee) was throwing everything at us with different structures but the boys did quite well to work that out so it was a good finish.

“I thought (my start) was pretty good, and then in the second half I moved up into a different position playing on the wing for a bit, but I didn’t think it was too bad.”

Taken with pick No.49 in the 2017 national draft and averaging 9.6 disposals a game this season, the 186cm medium-forward is still impacting via the scoreboard, having kicked 15 goals from his 11 matches.  


Jordan Houlahan has shown clear improvement in 2019. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Essendon VFL currently sits second on the ladder at 9-2, which Houlahan said was a good spot to be in in the back half of the season. 

“We’re in a good position - I think the hard work from the pre-season is really starting to pay off. We’re starting to string some consistent games together and our game plan is working well,” he said. 

The VFL Dons will be looking to win their fifth straight match when they next take on Coburg in round 14. 

Despite the two sides being at opposite ends of the ladder, with Coburg sitting 13th, Houlahan said the side wouldn't approach the game any differently.

“(Our preparation) will be the same as every other week. That doesn’t change no matter if we’re playing the top team or bottom team.” 

The first bounce will be at 12:30pm on Sunday, July 7 at Piranha Park.

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.