After a stunning come-from-behind victory over the Northern Blues last weekend, several VFL Dons have given themselves a chance of an AFL call up on Thursday evening.

Shaun McKernan

McKernan was stiff to be dropped from the AFL side after making his senior debut for the Bombers against North Melbourne. Showcasing his flexibility as a big-man, McKernan demonstrated he can easily continue to ruck in tandem with Tom Bellchambers. Still, the attitude he brought back to the VFL on the weekend was first-class and it carried through to his performance. McKernan absolutely dominated the Northern Blues, gathering 22 disposals, taking eight marks and booting two goals.

James Gwilt

While his stats might not reflect it, Gwilt was crucial in sustaining the comeback against the Blues. Gwilt racked up 18 disposals and took five marks as he carried out the job on Northern Blues’ big-man Matthew Watson. His performance was influential, and he kept Watson to a modest six-disposal and one-goal match. Week-after-week, Gwilt exemplifies his class and experience.

Kyle Langford

Langford’s ten disposals, five marks and two goals were telling against the Blues. The skillful youngster did all the right things and continued to bob up in all the right places, with his last-quarter goal crucial to the end result. Despite missing out on AFL selection last week due to a bruised quad, Langford is a strong chance of a recall sooner rather than later.

Nick O’Brien

This guy is a machine– game-after-game, O’Brien carries out the grunt work in the VFL midfield. The 21-year-old racked up a game-high 29 touches against the Blues, leading from the front in the massive win. A ready-built replacement, all O’Brien can do is keep putting up performances like the weekend and he is sure to take the step up into the senior side.