Essendon fought hard Saturday and eventually cracked Richmond, running away with a 23-point win in front of a big crowd at Punt Road Oval.
The Bombers are back inside the VFL top eight but have a bye this week, the following players will be putting their names up for selection for the AFL’s trip to take on Fremantle.
Jackson Merrett
32 disposals (13 kicks, 19 handballs), one goal, eight marks, four tackles, five inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
Kicking down the door, Merrett played with great aggression on Saturday afternoon. He has been consistent with his numbers over the last few weeks, and Coach Matthew Egan said his efficiency with the ball on Saturday was much improved. Merrett’s pressure set up goals for others while he also managed to sneak forward to kick the much needed opening goal of the final quarter to give the Bombers an eight point lead. His efforts did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the Sir Dough Nicholls Award for best on ground.
Will Hams
24 disposals (15 kicks, nine handballs), two goals, two tackles, six marks, three inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s, four frees for.
After 35 disposals last week, Hams received the full attention of the Tigers midfield and dealt with a tag for the majority of the game. Despite the attention, Hams worked hard to get on top of his opponent and produce solid numbers. Was as tough as ever and seemed to relish the challenge, getting forward to snap a brilliant goal in the second quarter and then nail a long goal from 50 metres to kill off the Tigers in the last.
Sam Michael
13 disposals (six kicks, seven handballs), three marks, eight tackles, three inside 50’s, 23 hit outs.
John Worsfold mentioned that Michael could be the man to come in and replace the injured Michael Hartley this week. Michael shouldered the majority of the ruck duties on Saturday, but has previously been a key member of the Bombers' back line in this season. Fought hard against the more experienced Ivan Maric.
Aaron Francis
22 disposals (14 kicks, eight handballs), 11 marks, two tackles, one inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.
Not a matter of if, but when for the number six draft pick. Francis has played only the two VFL matches and may require a bit more time to build his fitness.The youngster's performance was a key to the Bombers victory as he proved to be a thorn in the side of the Tigers, cutting off many of their forward advances with plenty of intercept marks.
Best of the VFL
Josh Freezer
20 disposals (15 kicks, five handballs), eight marks, two tackles, two inside 50’s, six rebound 50’s.
Freeze was outstanding, particularly in the back half of the ground and forming a formidable duo alongside Aaron Francis. His ability to transition to join in the Bombers attack was a highlight and he often found himself in good position up the ground.
Jordan Schroder
26 disposals (16 kicks, 10 handballs), three marks, one tackles, three inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
Third game back and again proved his importance to the team with a great performance, supporting the likes of Merrett and Hams and leading an otherwise inexperienced midfield.
Sam Heavyside, Chris Peart and Nash Holmes
Special mention to these three.
Heavyside sparked the last quarter and kicked a vital goal to give the Bombers a 14-points lead. Chris Peart laid 14 tackles, eight more than anyone else and had 14 disposals while 19 year-old debutant Nash Holmes was a bull getting 15 disposals and having a big impact around the contest.
