When Essendon take to the field on Friday night to play St. Kilda, two weeks will have passed since their brave effort in defeat against the West Coast Eagles in Perth. After the disappointment of such a close call, plus the high number of casualties, the Essendon senior side would have been thankful for the timing of the split round providing a fourteen-day break between matches.

For the senior players, the break will have provided a handy, although brief, respite from a season that that has fallen below expectations. For a proud club with a rich history of success, Essendon’s current standing on the AFL ladder (14^th position, 4 wins and 8 losses) may be tough to swallow for all Windy Hill devotees.

The most pleasing aspect of season 2005 so far has been the performances of young players such as Kepler Bradley, Jason Laycock, Andrew Lovett, Brent Stanton and Angus Monfries in the senior side. Each look like making their mark at AFL level and Bomber supporters will be looking forward to watching these boys become key components of the Essendon Football Club in the future.

But on two separate occasions since the West Coast game, more of the youngsters responsible for taking the Essendon Football Club into the future have been on display in the VFL competition. And if the results are anything to go by, the future is looking very bright indeed.

Three days after the West Coast game, the Bendigo Bombers hosted Box Hill at the Queen Elizabeth Oval. Before the match, Bendigo were fourth on the VFL ladder after a narrow loss away to Frankston but a win would ensure second spot and the healthiest percentage in the competition. Bendigo skipper Nick Carter also celebrated 100 games for the club, many of those with the Bendigo Diggers before the alliance with Essendon was formed.

The playing conditions in Bendigo were better than those experienced by the seniors in Perth, but not by much! On the morning of the match, heavy fog greeted those Bomber fans that made the trip from Melbourne as they left their hotel rooms. Once the fog lifted, the rain began to fall and although it rarely reached torrential proportions, it did not stop all afternoon.

That did not stop the group of local club supporters, including Essendon premiership player and Bendigo Bombers General Manager Paul Barnard, from hoisting high the banner made in honour of Nick Carter as Bendigo took the field. And while the constant drizzling rain made the playing conditions difficult throughout the match, Bendigo’s skill level was most impressive as they took control early with quick hands, accurate foot passing and great finishing in front of goal.

Not even a power blackout during the third quarter could throw the Bombers off their game as they recorded a solid ten-goal win to reclaim second place on the ladder. Bendigo then backed up on Sunday with another ten-goal win, this time away from home, against the Coburg Tigers. The game was virtually a carbon copy of the Box Hill match, without the rain.

The Bombers dominated early and established a very handy lead, which could have been greater if not for a few sprayed shots as goal. Even though the result was beyond doubt in the second half, Bendigo coach Matthew Knights urged his team to respond after conceding the last two goals of the third quarter. Knights would have been pleased with the response from his charges, as they won the last quarter convincingly.

The side is producing very even performances with all players contributing, particularly with a heavy rotation through the midfield. The team also appears to be well balanced – the experience of Bendigo-listed players such as Carter, Justin Blumfield, Jordan Doering provide the leadership and direction while Callan Beasy, Kain Robins and Simon Rosa are making great contributions.

The development of young hopefuls into senior AFL players is not an easy process but being a part of a successful team and winning culture at VFL level serves as a great apprenticeship and hopefully, the benefits of a big season for Bendigo will be on show for the Essendon senior side in the near future.

In fact, a few young Bombers who have represented Bendigo this past fortnight may well line up against the Saints this Friday night. Jobe Watson was awarded best-on-ground against Coburg, and his quick hands and selfless play in the wet was a highlight against Box Hill. First-year draftee Henry Slattery kicked three goals in a surprise move forward for the Box Hill match and has shown maturity beyond his years and slight frame.

Damien Cupido has not only provided his trademark flashes of brilliance but also has worked hard in both matches. Ricky Dyson is benefiting from playing a number of positions and looks comfortable wherever he lines up. Courtney Johns is another who is improving every week after a long layoff. If he can just kick that first goal since returning to football, the boost in confidence might allow him to really take charge of a game.

Of the more experienced guys, Ted Richards and Marc Bullen have given themselves every chance of a senior recall with solid efforts for Bendigo. Essendon fans will also be pleased that Dean Rioli used the Coburg match to test his recovery from a calf injury and was a standout player when on the ground. Provided his recovery from the match is fine, he will run out against St Kilda.

If the game in Perth is any indication, expect the Essendon senior side to play committed and spirited football in the second half of the season. Opportunities for our younger players to impress at the highest level will come up during the back half of the season. If the past two Bendigo matches are any indication, the players are receiving the best possible preparation for a successful AFL career.

Essendon, a proud club with a rich history of success, may not play a part in finals football for 2005 season – but the task is not impossible. But for Bendigo, a proud town with a rich history, the Bombers may just be on the way to some success of their own.