Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy hinted at training yesterday that a senior berth might not be too far away for Jason Laycock. The 19-year-old was best on ground in the Bendigo Bombers eight-point victory against Frankston on the weekend. In the absence of Tristan Cartledge, Laycock spent the entire game in the ruck – a move that proved effective for Bendigo.

Laycock’s work around the ground was a highlight of his performance against Frankston on Saturday night. He provided a marking target around the ground and took 13 marks. He was also effective moving the ball forward for the Bombers – he finished with 17 kicks.

By his own admission Laycock said he lacked consistency last season and that didn’t help his chances of playing senior football. ""My goal is to play senior footy this year. I just want to play consistent footy. Last year I played one good game and then three or four bad ones, which wrecked my chances of getting a game last year. This year I want to string a few good performances together,"" Laycock said.

After an injury interrupted pre-season, Laycock has finally re-built his fitness levels to run out games at high intensity. ""When I came back from injury I kicked seven goals in Round 2 against Geelong, but it was down hill after that,"" he said.

""I didn’t do much for three or four weeks with my fitness. The last couple of weeks I have played a little bit better. I can see improvements already compared to last year with my strength. I have been able to hold opposition players out.""

After dropping three successive games, Bendigo has hit back hard over the past two weeks to get its season back on track. Wins again Coburg and Frankston has pushed Bendigo back into the top eight.

A big challenge awaits Bendigo this weekend. They face second top side Sandringham this Sunday at Sandringham. ""We have had a pretty good track record against them. We won both times against them last year when they were in the top four and they are in top four again this year, so it will be a good challenge,"" Laycock said.

Bendigo Bomber statistics from Round 9 against Frankston:
Stanton – 27
Wilson – 27
Doering – 26
Carter – 22
Bradley – 21
Dyson – 20
Nash – 18
Laycock – 17
Moorcroft – 17
Hunt – 16
Winderlich – 16
Cupido – 14
Campbell – 11
Henneman – 11
Lovett – 11
Richards – 9
Summers – 7
Walsh – 7
Rosa – 6
Bowen – 4
Cosgriff – 4
Hawkins - 1