The VFL Bombers now sit two and two on the win loss ledger and have slipped to fifth on the ladder following Sunday’s loss to the Casey Scorpions.
Here are some of the players that were in good touch on the weekend.
Nathan Grima
20 disposals (16 kicks, four handballs), ten marks, nine rebound 50’s, two inside 50’s, two tackles,
Grima capped off a solid month of football with a best on ground performance against the Scorpions. The 30 year-old spoiled well and read the ball’s flight when many other players had trouble doing so in windy conditions, allowing him to take a game high ten marks. This block of football, his first extended run of games in more than 18 months, has him ready to go at AFL level.
Paddy Ambrose
21 disposals (10 kicks, 11 handballs), eight marks, four tackles, three inside 50’s, three rebound 50’s.
Ambrose was a carryover emergency last week for the AFL, so his first game back will again have him knocking on the selection door. Ambrose was one who looked to relish the trying conditions at Windy Hill, picking up many of his touches through the middle of the ground. Ambrose was slow to get up from one particular hit, but was no less ferocious with his attack on the ball.
Jackson Merrett
25 disposals (nine kicks, 16 handballs), two marks, five tackles, four inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.
Merrett collected 25 disposals on the weekend, to go with his 21 and 24 touches since being sent back to the state league three weeks ago. The 23 year-old was never far from the contest and was more than willing to get his hands dirty.
Mason Redman
13 disposals (seven kicks, six handballs), two marks, six tackles, two inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Pick 30 in last year’s national draft continually has more impact on matches than stats suggest, playing as a versatile forward option all over the ground. Redman’s ability to get himself in dangerous positions could see him given an opportunity at senior level at any point. Only managed the one behind on the weekend, missing a getable set shot but also could have had some easier chances if not for some missed kicks from teammates.
Best of the VFL
Daniel Coghlan
25 disposals (12 kicks, 13 handballs), four marks, three tackles, four inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.
As he does week in week out, the skipper again led by example and led the possession tally along with Merrett.
Ben McNiece
18 disposals (16 kicks, two handballs), five marks, three tackles, three inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s, one goal.
McNiece was the one who broke the long scoring drought in the second quarter kicking a long goal from outside 50.
Key stats
Essendon 7.12 (54) lost to Casey Scorpions 10.11 (71)
Disposals: Essendon 326 – Casey 390
Kicks: Essendon 192 – Casey 182
Handballs: Essendon 134 – Casey 208
Marks: Essendon 77 – Casey 65
Hitouts: Essendon 65 (Mark Jamar with 44) – Casey 36
Inside 50’s: Essendon 40 – Casey 68
Tackles: Essendon 90 – Casey 96
