In hot conditions at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo, the Bombers were unstoppable from the opening bounce. It was the senior players that stood up for Bendigo and led the goal onslaught.
After returning to the VFL after one week in the seniors, Mark Mercuri was outstanding. The 29-year-old booted six goals and finished with 22 possessions. Ben Haynes will also be pushing for senior selection this week after an impressive display. Along with Mercuri, he had no trouble finding the goals. He booted five goals and collected 26 possessions in an equal best on ground performance with Mercuri.
Kepler Bradley and Damian Cupido will also be pushing for a senior berth this week with solid performances in the VFL. Bradley starred across half forward and also spent time in the ruck. The 18-year-old took eight marks, had 13 kicks and 12 handballs. Cupido spent his time between the forward pocket and half forward and found plenty of the ball. He collected 21 possessions, but let himself down with his kicking for goal. He finished with five behinds.
Veteran defender Sean Wellman got through his second match in the VFL after being sidelined for eight-weeks with a hamstring injury. The 29-year-old played close to three and a half quarters of football across half-back and collected 14 possessions.
Aaron Henneman returned to the footy field after a lacerated kidney kept him on the sidelines for the past six weeks. Henneman was eased back into the game and played four half quarters. The 23-year-old spent his time in the forwardline and got through the game unscathed.
Bendigo statistics:
Doering – 29, 1 goal
Haynes – 26, 5 goals
Bradley – 25
Mercuri – 22, 6 goals
Cupido – 21
Lovett – 21, 1 goal
Nash – 20, 2 goals
Alvey – 19
Carter – 17
Hunt – 15
Wellman – 14, 1 goal
Campbell – 13, 2 goals
Winderlich – 13
Davies – 12
Moorcroft – 12, 1 goal
Wilson – 10, 1 goal
Summers – 9
Bowen – 7
Rosa – 6
Henneman – 5, 1 goal
Walsh – 5
Cosgriff, 3, 1 goal
