The success of the VFL Bombers this season is expected to play a major role in the AFL side’s climb back up the ladder in 2016.

It was the first time an Essendon reserves side had beyond week-one of the finals series since 2005 when the side, then know as the Bendigo Bombers, also made a Preliminary Final.

VFL Coach Hayden Skipworth paid tribute to his side for their incredible efforts.

“The boys had a great year,” he said.

“To win two finals is a fantastic result, and to see some of the younger guys develop is fantastic as well.

“The culture that they created throughout the year was fantastic, and it was due to senior leaders on the VFL list and the AFL guys coming back each week.”

Essendon’s AFL side is beginning to reap the benefits of fielding a standalone reserves side now through its third season.

Skipworth said the hard work of VFL Operations Manager Matthew Little who runs the program should not go unnoticed.

“He’s done a fantastic result taking on a new franchise as such, and to create an environment for players to play their best footy and really learn and develop should see a lot of credit go to him.”

The cornerstone to Geelong’s recent success over the past decade is arguably due to their VFL side’s 2002 season where it won the premiership.

Skipworth said the value of the standalone side is quite significant.

“The advantage of a standalone side is that we can manipulate the players as we like.

“Like guys coming back from injury, we’re able to monitor their game time- so there are a lot of advantages of having your own standalone side.”

The VFL Bombers will look to emulate its successful season in 2016, which will continue to form a solid platform in the regeneration of the ‘Baby Bombers’.

“We just want to keep evolving each year,” Skipworth said.

“Hopefully we can go to the next level next year and make a Grand Final.

“The actual program itself keeps getting better.”