Essendon remains a game clear inside the top eight after an upset 18-point win over Williamstown on Sunday.
The Bombers face some stiff competition for the eighth spot from Box Hill and Richmond with two games remaining.
The Bombers were led by some standout performances from players looking to play AFL before the season is out.
Shaun McKernan
20 disposals (18 kicks, two handballs), four goals, one behind, 11 marks, five tackles, three inside 50’s, one rebound 50, six hitouts.
With Mark Jamar returning to the game, McKernan benefited by being able to stay as a permanent forward taking six big contested marks and kicking important goals, including three in the third term.
Jamar may have said it best post match; “Shauny was inspirational today, he plucked everything. He really hit the scoreboard and put the foot on the throat of the opposition".
Will Hams
18 disposals (seven kicks, 11 handballs), two goals, one behind, five marks, six tackles, four inside 50’s.
Having played eight games at AFL level, Hams returned to the VFL and picked up immediately where he left off with another hard-nosed performance. Snuck forward to kick two goals including the sealer which helped calm some Bomber nerves late in the game. “Hamsy around the ball was just clean; he’s played a lot of the season now in the AFL and got some real confidence now in his own ability which is great,” Coach Matthew Egan said post game.
Jason Ashby
21 disposals (12 kicks, nine handballs), one goal, two marks, five tackles, five inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Was thrust into the midfield for the first time this season and relished the opportunity as part of the new look on ball brigade. Ashby was able to find the ball in dangerous areas and was praised by Egan post game with his ability to run hard both defensively and offensively.
Ryan Crowley
24 disposals (16 kicks, eight handballs), seven marks, one tackle, one inside 50, three rebound 50’s.
Weight of numbers may give Crowls another opportunity at the highest level before the season is over, with his 24 touches this week following 26, 24 and 26 in the three previous matches. Crowley smarts and strength sets him apart at VFL level.
Shaun Edwards
18 disposals (17 kicks, one handball), one goal, three marks, one tackle, four inside 50’s.
Edwards brings a certain unpredictability to the Bombers line-up and you get the feeling that if the Bombers are to have an impact in the post season, he will be a key member. He doesn’t need massive numbers to have an impact on the game and it would be interesting to see metres gained stats from the VFL because his ability to get the ball and run is vital for the team.
Best of the VFL
Ben Dobson
19 disposals (13 kicks, six handballs), four marks, two tackles, seven inside 50’s.
Had played six matches this season primarily as a forward, but was thrown into the midfield on the weekend to great effect. At 191cm and 91kg, Dobson is a similar size to Brendon Goddard, playing a key role in great positions and giving drive through the middle of the ground.
Sam Heavyside
17 disposals (eight kicks, nine handballs), two goals, three behinds, four marks, six tackles.
Heavyside has hit some form in the last few weeks and could have turned a good game into a great game if his radar in front of goal was on.
“It was probably one of his better games, he missed some opportunities to really finish off his good work but his front and square work was sensational,” Egan said.
Aaron Heppell
22 disposals (15 kicks, seven handballs), one goal, five marks, six tackles, four inside 50’s four rebound 50’s.
Was another to be thrown into the midfield this week after being anchored to the defensive half for much of the year.
“For Hep to show a new position is great, he worked really hard defensively and gave us good coverage. He never misses tackles and does the basics really well,” Egan said.
