Essendon VFL recorded a six point win over Box Hill on Saturday.

The Dons were down by 44 points at quarter time, but a number of players rose to the challenge to help the side record a memorable win.

Here are the players pushing for senior selection after round 17.

Michael Hartley

Hartley dominated in the Dons defence. He shut down Hawks forward Ty Vickery, keeping him goalless.

He finished with 21 disposals and six strong marks.

Hartley spent the last 13 games in the AFL side, where he averaged 11 disposals, five marks and three tackles.

After his solid performances all season, he is a major contender for a call-up.

Craig Bird

Bird was a major ball winner on Saturday. He collected 28 disposals, took two marks and laid ten tackles.

The premiership player has dominated in the VFL this season, averaging 26 disposals, six tackles and two marks.

He has played one game in the AFL side, round 17 against St Kilda, where he finished with 18 disposals, four tackles and two marks.

Josh Begley

Begley continued to impress at VFL level against Box Hill. He kicked one goal and finished with 15 disposals, six tackles and three marks.

The first year player has been named among the best six times this season.

He has been the emergency for the AFL side on multiple occasions, with senior selection looking to be just around the corner.

Heath Hocking

Hocking was notable through the midfield. He finished with 15 disposals, six tackles and three marks.

He ran forward late in the third quarter to kick a much-needed goal and give Essendon the lead.

Hocking has played 15 games with the VFL side this season, averaging 19 disposals, five tackles and three marks.

From the VFL…

Daniel Younan

Younan was the match winner in the Dons forward line, booting four goals.

With the scores tied with one minute on the clock, Younan kicked a goal from a set shot, on the angle, to put the Bombers in front.

It was Younan’s fifth game in the VFL this year and his first time named among the best. 

Nick O’Brien

The Captain returned against the Hawks for his first game back since round 14.

O’Brien collected 28 disposals, showing no rustiness from his time out.

He has averaged 31 disposals, six marks and three tackles his 13 games this season.