Essendon VFL led at three-quarter time but couldn’t hold off a desperate Coburg, going down by 31 points on Sunday. The Bombers find themselves a win outside the top four in fifth position on the ladder with a huge game to come against Footscray on Sunday.
Here are some of the players who may be in contention for a call-up to the senior side this week.
Shaun Edwards
29 disposals (18 kicks, 11 handballs), two marks, three tackles, five inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Edwards backed up a break-out 2016 performance last week with another solid game with higher numbers against the Lions. Edwards had 17 touches last week, but made strides again with his 29 possessions and he was one who always looked to take the game on with his run and carry. Edwards looks to have gained a lot of confidence from the past two weeks.
Martin Gleeson
25 disposals (20 kicks, five handballs), seven marks, one tackle, four inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s.
Playing his second game back in the VFL, Gleeson played a massive role as the Bombers key rebounding defender. The 21 year-old repeatedly got himself in good defensive positions and found the footy regularly when the Dons were on the transition forward.
Will Hams
24 disposals (16 kicks, eight handballs), one goal, one behind, six marks, six inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s, four tackles, four free kicks for.
Hams is doing his chances of a promotion to the senior list no harm with another hard-nosed performance where he constantly battled around the stoppages. He backed up his 28 disposals last week with another 24 which included a vital goal in the third term.
Yestin Eades
14 disposals (eight kicks, six handballs), two goals, four marks, four tackles, one rebound 50.
Coaches will be looking for more consistency in Eades’ performances before a senior debut, but Sunday’s game was by far his best since being picked up with pick 64 in last year’s draft. Eades was strong around the contest and threatened every time he had the ball using his speed both offensively and defensively. Kicked two goals, but was denied a certain third by the three-quarter time siren.
Best of the VFL
Aaron Heppell
27 disposals (11 kicks, 16 handballs), five marks, two tackles, one inside 50, three rebound 50’s.
Was named best on ground for the Bombers and was extremely attacking while blanketing his opposition. Heppell has been a key small defender for the side all season, but his 27 disposals is his highest tally since a pair of 19’s in the opening rounds of the season. His skill and efficiency with the ball was a standout.
Ben McNiece
24 disposals (14 kicks, 10 handballs), eight marks, two tackles, two inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s.
Like Heppell, McNiece also produced his highest disposal count of what has been a consistent season. A noted defender, the vice-captain is trusted with the ball in hand and rarely puts in a poor performance.
Key stats
Essendon 11.6 (72) lost to Coburg 16.7 (103)
Disposals: Essendon 379 – Coburg 365
Kicks: Essendon 209 – Coburg 223
Handballs: Essendon 170 – Coburg 142
Marks: Essendon 90 – Coburg 109
Hitouts: Essendon 44 – Coburg 30
Inside 50’s: Essendon 46 – Coburg 58
Tackles: Essendon 56 – Coburg 50
