A Jason Ashby goal with just seconds remaining on the clock handed Essendon a thrilling three point win over Box Hill at Windy Hill on Saturday.

The siren sounded at the following centre stoppage with the Bombers leading 15.5 (95) to Box Hill’s 13.14 (92).

Ashby is among the Bombers listed players who may come into contention for Sunday’s match against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.

James Polkinghorne

28 disposals (17 kicks, 11 handballs), nine marks, four tackles, nine inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.

Another game, another standout performance from last year’s best and fairest winner. Polky was a key member of the midfield all day but particularly stood up when the going got tough in the final term. Would love the opportunity to come up against his former Lions teammates.

“Polky was outstanding in the last part, we were 6-1 in clearances in the last 10 minutes and he was a big driver of that,” Egan said.

Aaron Francis

19 disposals (eight kicks, 11 handballs), six marks, one tackle, four rebound 50’s.

The number six draft pick was back in form on the weekend, ramping up his claim for a senior debut. It wasn’t Francis’ most flattering day stats wise, but he was consistent and played his role gaining the coaches approval. The South Australian could get his opportunity this week with an injury to James Gwilt.

“He was really consistent and did a really good job for us, we were trying to move him forward when they put a spare man back, but we decided he was playing so well down back we just wanted to keep him there,” Egan said. 

Shaun Edwards

27 disposals (16 kicks, 11 handballs), two goals, one behind, four marks, four tackles, eight inside 50’s, one rebound 50.

Edwards kicked two last quarter goals and gave the handball to Ashby for the game winner, showcasing his impact on the game. His willingness to take the game on and keep the ball moving forward were strong features of his performance.

“Shauny played forward for most of the day and I thought he contributed, still has a bit to work on in his game but thought he gave us something,” Egan said. 

Jackson Merrett

28 disposals (18 kicks, 10 handballs), 10 marks, three tackles, six inside 50’s, one rebound 50.

Was back at the state level after celebrating his 50^th AFL match the week before. Merrett was influential when the game was there to be won, playing a big second half setting up numerous scoring chances.  

“Jackson’s second half was excellent and exactly what we need from our experienced players like him, he was one that really started to use the ball well, getting some really good front and squares and hitting up our forwards,” Egan said. 

Jason Ashby

19 disposals (16 kicks, three handballs), six marks, two tackles, one inside 50, five rebound 50’s.

His first goal of the season couldn’t have come at a better time, putting his side in front with just seconds on the clock. The goal was the highlight, but he also had a big influence across half back during the final term including a couple of intercept marks.

“Ashby to finish, he drifted forward and got on the end of the goal – it was great for him and great to see him building his form,” Egan said.

Best of VFL

Ben Dobson

20 disposals (14 kicks, six handballs), five goals, one behind, 10 marks, two tackles, two inside 50’s, one rebound 50.

They are numbers that would make any key forward weak at the knees; Dobson was the main man up forward and the best on ground. Importantly took his chances when he had them.  He kicked two last quarter goals including a long range goal from outside 50. The St Mary’s boy, who marked strongly all day, comes into the clash against his former side Geelong VFL in hot form. 

“He really stood up for us, when we needed a goal and needed something to happen – he was there,” Egan said.

Daniel Coghlan

24 disposals (14 kicks, 10 handballs), one goal, three marks, eight tackles, four inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.

The skipper led by example again on the weekend and seemed desperate to not let this game and the Bombers finals chances slip. His 24 touches backs up his 27 he had last week and he's building into some nice form.

“Cogs again was really important, his clearance work and willingness to win was outstanding,” Egan said.