Essendon VFL has moved into seventh place on the ladder after a 54 point win over North Ballarat on Sunday.
A number of the players are pushing for senior selection after displaying promising performances.
Here are the contenders after round 12.
Jayden Laverde
Laverde was impressive in the forward line. In just his second game back from injury, he booted three goals for the Bombers.
He finished with 23 disposals, eight marks and one tackle.
The 21 year old is quickly getting back to his best after missing the first half of the season with injury.
Heath Hocking
Hocking has been a standout in the midfield in all of his appearances in the VFL.
On Sunday he finished with 22 disposals, eight tackles, three marks and he also ran forward to kick a goal.
This is the fourth time from his last five games Hocking has been named among the best.
Aaron Francis
Francis is finding form quickly in the defensive half of the field.
He showed promising signs against North Ballarat, finishing with 13 disposals, four marks and two tackles.
Although his stats aren’t huge, his contribution to the win was.
He was able to create a contest in the Roosters forward 50 and bring the ball to ground on multiple occasions.
Jackson Merrett
For the second week in a row Merrett was one of the leading goal kickers for Essendon.
The 24 year old booted three goals for the Dons and finished with 20 disposals, six marks and laid one tackle.
He is continuing to develop in his new role in the forward line and is one to watch over the coming weeks.
Ben Howlett
Howlett has played five games for the VFL side this season, in which he has been named among the best four times.
On Sunday he collected 27 disposals, seven marks and laid six tackles. Howlett also ran forward to kick a goal for the Bombers.
In Howlett’s five games in the AFL side he has averaged 15 disposals, three marks and two tackles.
From the VFL…
Kieran Strachan
Strachan was impressive on debut for Essendon VFL. He was named among the best after finishing with 15 disposals, eight marks and five tackles.
Strachan played in the ruck and forward on Sunday.
At 202cm he is an exciting prospect for the Club.
Nick O’Brien
O’Brien was the major ball winner on Sunday against North Ballarat. He finished with 33 disposals, six marks and four tackles.
The skipper has dominated around the ball for the Dons this season.
He has averaged 31 disposals, six marks and three tackles.
