Essendon’s young talent was on show during the win against Melbourne on Saturday.

Aided by the return to form of some key senior players, the Bombers youth helped deliver an important win for the side.

Joe Daniher was the dominant forward but Shaun Edwards also made a vital contribution, kicking two goals.

“He’s got that ability to be good in the air, but also at ground level,” former Essendon forward Matthew Lloyd said. 

“I think that’s what the Bombers forward line really lacks, so let’s hope he can develop from here.”

Lloyd suggested the match against Melbourne was Ariel Steinberg’s best in Essendon colours and praised the role Nick O’Brien performed on Melbourne Captain Nathan Jones.

“He just keeps finding the footy and did an important job on Jones who had 20 odd disposals but had no effect on the game,” Lloyd said. 

One of the few young players yet to sample senior football this season is Irish recruit Conor McKenna. 

He was selected in last year’s Rookie Draft and has already proven a valuable small forward in the VFL, where he’s kicked 12 goals from nine games this season. 

“He’s been incredible in his last couple of games and we’d love to be able to find a way for him to come in to the team,” Essendon Coach James Hird said. 

“He’s an elite top ten draft pick if he was in the AFL system.”