Jonathon Simpkin
35 disposals (22 kicks, 13 handballs), eight marks, four tackles, two inside 50’s, seven rebound 50’s.
Second game back from injury for Simpkin and he looked good, relishing the move to half back to be the leading disposal winner for the day. Of his five games at VFL level this season, three have been 30-disposals plus.
James Polkinghorne
30 disposals (14 kicks, 16 handballs), two marks, two tackles, five inside 50’s.
Won a lot of his ball when the heat was on early in the game, leading the way for the Bombers with 10 touches in the opening quarter. Caps off a great six weeks at VFL level where he was gathered 30, 24, 26, 21, 28 and 30 touches.
Jackson Merrett
23 disposals (nine kicks, 14 handballs), five marks, one tackle, one inside 50, four rebound 50’s.
Wasn’t a game with plenty of flashy highlights but another consistent game for Merrett who could look to build on his seven games at the top level this season. Won plenty of his ball in tight, using his hands to get the ball to his awaiting teammates.
Ryan Crowley
24 disposals (11 kicks, 13 handballs), one goal, five marks, three tackles, three inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
Didn’t escape some attention from some Cats fans with long memories, but Crowley didn’t let that affect him and was among the stronger performers for the Dons. Kicked an important goal after the half time siren which kept the Bombers in the match at the long beak.
Best of VFL
Nash Holmes
16 disposals (six kicks, 10 handballs), one marks, five tackles, one inside 50, one rebound 50.
The hard-nosed 19 year-old continues to impress, this time with a tagging role going onto George Horlin-Smith in the second half. Slowed Horlin-Smith’s influence on the game whist continuing to get involved when the Bombers had the ball.
Aaron Heppell
21 disposals (six kicks, 15 handballs), two marks, five tackles, one inside 50, three rebound 50’s.
Stood up when the defensive half of the ground was under constant siege. Didn’t really get much space or time when in possession but made some good decisions in pressured situations.
