Essendon VFL once again found itself playing catch up footy but this time it couldn’t get across the line, going down by seven points to Port Melbourne on Saturday.
A number of players put forward their case for a senior selection this Sunday against St Kilda.
Conor McKenna
23 disposals (13 kicks, 10 handballs), two marks, two tackles, seven inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s, one behind.
McKenna was brilliant in the second half in particular, continuously getting the ball and immediately looking to take ground off the opposition with his run. His skills make him stand out at VFL level.
Essendon Coach Matthew Egan said; “Conor was outstanding, he played pretty good in the first half but was the most damaging player on the field in the second half.”
Kyle Langford
28 disposals (11 kicks, 17 handballs), five marks, 10 tackles, three inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
That’s two consistent games now for Langford since coming back to the VFL. Was never far from the action and won plenty of his ball in tight and around the contest.
James Polkinghorne
26 disposals (11 kicks, 15 handballs), one goal, two marks, five tackles, two inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Leads by example with his work around the stoppages and doesn’t get many easy possessions with attention from the opposition. Needless to say, but is a very consistent VFL player.
Essendon Coach Matthew Egan said; “Polky and Kyle Langford around the ball were pretty consistent again, first quarter aside they worked really hard with their contest work which was really important.”
Aaron Francis
19 disposals (15 kicks, four handballs), 13 marks, seven tackles, two inside 50’s, five rebound 50’s.
Thirteen marks speaks for itself, Francis seemed a constant roadblock to Port Melbourne’s forward entries. He's looking more and more comfortable - and confident - with every game he plays and is building his fitness after an injury interrupted start to the season.
Jake Long
22 disposals (16 kicks, six handballs), eight marks, one tackle, four inside 50’s.
One of Long’s better games this season and his second highest disposal tally (had 25 in Round 3) - once again putting his name forward for a senior debut. Showcased his speed but also had a presence when he didn’t have the ball with his spoiling and pressure, setting up the Bombers final goal.
Best of VFL
Jack Langford
18 disposals (12 kicks, six handballs), two goals, one behind, seven marks, one tackle, four inside 50’s, five hitouts.
Langford was the most influential forward across the day and continues to impress not only inside forward 50 but with his composure around the ground.
Essendon Coach Matthew Egan said;“Jack was probably again one of our better forwards. Really provided for us and looked dangerous and kicked goals when he got the chance. He is showing some huge improvement.”
Aaron Heppell
16 disposals (eight kicks, eight handballs), three marks, five tackles, two inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
A fan favorite at VFL level, Heppell’s improvement this season has been rapid and important. He doesn’t lose one on one contests and saves certain goals for fun.
Essendon Coach Matthew Egan said; “I thought Heppell was outstanding again, he saved us three or four goals with his never give up attitude. He’s having an outstanding season.”
Josh Freezer
19 disposals (13 kicks, six handballs), 12 marks, one tackle, one inside 50, two rebound 50.
Formed a formidable duo with Francis across half back taking 12 marks of his own. Freezer’s ability to chop off the opposition not just in the air and quickly get the ball moving to the Bombers advantage is so important.
