Essendon’s season is alive after a nine goal final term gave it a 22-point win over Geelong on Saturday.
The Bombers will now take on Footscray this Sunday, September 11 at North Port Oval from 2.40pm.
Here are some of the standout performers for the Bombers from Saturday’s win.
James Polkinghorne
22 disposals (15 kicks, seven handballs), four goals, one behind, five marks, five tackles, five inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Loves North Port Oval and the finals atmosphere, Polkinghorne was swung forward in the second half and kicked two goals during the third quarter to keep the Bombers in the game. Provided a strong contest and capped off a brilliant day with two more goals in the final term.
Mark Jamar
10 disposals (nine kicks, one handball), two goals, two marks, two tackles, one inside 50, 53 hitouts.
Essendon dominated the clearances thanks to the ‘Russian’ who spent around 80 per cent of the game in the ruck. Jamar was a key target when pushing forward as well; taking two strong grabs about 25 metres from goal and converting both in the third term.
Will Hams
22 disposals (15 kicks, seven handballs), two goals, five marks, five tackles, seven inside 50’s.
Battled sickness last week in the lead up to match but showed no ill-effects on Saturday. It was one of his usual hard-nosed performances through the midfield and he was dangerous when up forward.
Mason Redman
20 disposals (nine kicks, 11 handballs), one goal, one behind, four marks, four tackles, four inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Redman picked a good game to return to form, kicked an early goal and grew in confidence from there. Was clean under pressure and looked at home on the finals stage.
Nick Kommer
19 disposals (four kicks, 15 handballs), one mark, four marks, one tackle, four inside 50’s.
Showed his experience and why he is so highly regarded by teammates, kicked a late goal but was praised by coach Matthew Egan for his assists and ability to create goals and space for others.
Best of VFL
Aaron Heppell
28 disposals (16 kicks, 12 handballs), one behind, 10 tackles, six inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
Continues to take his game to a new level and seemed to be constantly forcing the ball Essendon’s way. His defensive pressure was noticeable from the stands, laying an equal game-high 10 tackles.
Nash Holmes
15 disposals (10 kicks, five handballs), three goals, two marks, two tackles, two inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Not his highest numbers compared to recent weeks, but his ability to win the ball forward and impact the scoreboard has become a real weapon for the Bombers.
James Ferry
16 disposals (10 kicks, six handballs), seven marks, one inside 50, three rebound 50s.
Saturday was Ferry’s best game since coming back from a knee injury in Round 16. Read the ball well in flight and put himself in good defensive positions and seemed to relish with the added pressure of finals.
Ben Dobson
21 disposals (14 kicks, seven handballs), two marks, three tackles, seven inside 50’s.
Won the family bragging rights over his brother Sam who lined up for the Cats. Dobson has become a key part of the midfield and was outstanding on Saturday, with seven inside 50’s highlighting his impact forward of centre.
