Elliott Kavanagh

Kavanagh continues to push his name up for senior selection after yet another solid performance for Essendon VFL. ‘Kav’ gathered 25 disposals and laid nine tackles playing a huge role in the side’s come-from-behind victory. Given the rejuvenation of the Baby Bombers, Kavanagh remains on the cusp of AFL selection.

Conor McKenna

McKenna played a different role on Friday night, pushing up to the wing and providing the VFL Bombers with some much-needed grunt. The Irishman was six up from his season possession average, finishing with 16 touches for the night. With just two games remaining, McKenna’s debut could still be on the cards.

Ariel Steinberg

After missing out on AFL selection, Steinberg was terrific for the VFL Dons on Friday night. Holding down a key-back post, Steinberg provided his usual rebound out of defensive 50 as he gathered 20 disposals. The tall-timber up forward for the Tigers could mean Steinberg’s inclusion is a real chance.

Tayte Pears

Pears too missed out on AFL selection, and similarly to his fellow defender, Pears was brilliant. Laying eight tackles and racking up 15 disposals, the defender had the big job on Footscray’ Tom Boyd and kept him quiet for most of the night. Like Steinberg, Pears’ recall to the senior side could be likely with the firepower of Richmond in attack.