After coming from 40 points down midway through the third quarter to record a 13-point win, a number of Bomber put their case forward for senior selection.
Essendon’s scattered VFL schedule of two games in four weeks could come into consideration from the Bombers coaches when they take match fitness into consideration ahead of the game in Perth against West Coast.
Shaun McKernan
13 disposals (11 kicks, two handballs), three goals, two behinds, four marks, six tackles, two inside 50’s, one rebound 50, 18 hit outs, three frees for.
Seemed to take the challenge of the side’s poor first half personally as he came out and dominated the game after half time. Was thrown in around the stoppages and was a presence and constant threat pushing forward, finishing with three goals including the sealer on the run.
Kyle Langford
24 disposals (14 kicks, 10 handballs), one behind, four marks, seven tackles, five inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s, two hit outs.
Came in for his first VFL game of the season and did more than enough to be considered for an immediate recall. Langford was clean when others fumbled and got the ball in dangerous positions and made the most of his possession.
James Polkinghorne
24 disposals (13 kicks, 11 handballs), one goal, one behind, four marks, five tackles, four inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Was a key factor in getting the Bombers moving forward around the stoppages in the second half and backed up a solid performance against Sandringham. Kicked a classy goal, the first of the final quarter, to continue his side’s momentum.
Conor McKenna
23 disposals (17 kicks, six handballs), one goal, three marks, one tackle, five inside 50’s, six rebound 50’s.
The Bombers love the ball in the Irishman’s hands not only with the way he uses it, but the way he tucks it under his arm and breaks through the lines. If you haven’t seen it, watch the highlight of McKenna’s dash through the middle and his one-two with Nash Holmes to set up a Sam Michael goal – not many players would have dared to do that in that situation.
Click here to watch McKenna set up the Sam Michael goal.
Sam Michael
Six disposals (five kicks, one handball), three goals, two marks, one tackle, 11 hit outs.
Not very often you pump up a six-disposal performance, but sometimes stats just don’t reflect an influence a player, particularly a big man, has on a match. Michael was huge, crashed packs and set up scoring opportunities for others just through his physicality and contest work. He was named in the best players by the coaches.
Jayden Laverde
18 disposals (10 kicks, eight handballs), five marks, two tackles, five inside 50’s.
Has a calm head on his shoulders and doesn’t panic when in possession which stands out. His second game back was as encouraging as his first although the majority of his possession this week was further up through the middle of the ground.
Mason Redman
20 disposals (12 kicks, eight handballs), six marks, three tackles, four inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Got a taste at senior level and after three games back in the VFL, could be ready to get another. Things just seem to happen when Redman gets involved.
Aaron Francis
15 disposals (10 kicks, five handballs), seven marks, three tackles, four inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
By his own admission it wasn’t his greatest first half performance in the back half. He was thrown forward in the second half and relished the opportunity. Led and presented well, got involved and kicked three – chances are you’ve seen the one from the boundary by now? Looked out on his feet a few times in the last quarter but kept willing himself to contests.
Best of the VFL
Nash Holmes
21 disposals (10 kicks, 11 handballs), two behinds, two marks, five tackles, one inside 50, two rebound 50’s.
It feels like Holmes has been a member of this side for an eternity but in fact it was just his third game. A notable football person said Holmes is ‘the toughest young kid I have ever seen’ and you know exactly what you’re going to get from the 19 year-old.
Daniel Coghlan
21 disposals (12 kicks, nine handballs), two behinds, six tackles, five inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
The Captain was one of many who stepped up leading the midfield in their resurgence on the game. Had some key possessions and impact on some scoring passages.
Alex McLeod
10 disposals (four kicks, six handballs), one mark, 10 tackles, one inside 50, one rebound 50.
With Francis swung forward in the second half, McLeod took on more responsibility in the back half and created some run from half back. Shut out his opponents and laid a team high 10 tackles.
