Experienced pair ready for recall
Essendon VFL coach Hayden Skipworth is confident there is enough talent to fill the void of captain Jobe Watson through the midfield over the next month.
Skipworth said the form of experienced pair Leroy Jetta and Nathan Lovett-Murray in the VFL over the last fortnight provided options for the Bombers ahead of Sunday’s match against the Western Bulldogs.
“With every bad thing that happens something bad happens so for someone to get an opportunity will be great,” Skipworth said.
“Leroy Jetta has been fantastic and there is no doubt he will get an opportunity soon.”
“Every game he has played this year for us he has been dynamic around the ball, he is finding a lot of it and getting a lot of clearances.”
“Nathan Lovett-Murray is another one that has been playing good for us and he is a big bodied midfielder that would come into consideration.”
Jetta (30 dispsoals) and Lovett-Murray (26 dispsoals) were key performers in the Bombers VFL win over the Northern Blues last Saturday afternoon.
Defender Kyle Hardingham continues to put his name up for a recall to the AFL side with another impressive outing against the Blues last weekend.
Skipworth praised the consistency of Hardingham throughout the entire season.
“Kyle has hardly lost a contest all year and has beaten every opponent we have given to him in the VFL, we have tried to keep him on the better opponents,” Skipworth said.
“He does a fantastic job for us not only with his performance but with his leadership among the young guys as well.”
Lauchlan Dalgleish continues to press his claims for an elevation to the senior list with the club still able to upgrade one rookie to the primary list.
“Lachie has been playing half back and had his best month of footy for the club.”
“He is on the rookie list but he is certainly putting his case forward for a senior call up.”