It was disappointing to lose the match against the Lions on Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium. Although the Lions had six players score more than 100 Fantasy points, including skipper Tom Rockliff with 179, the Bombers won the overall tally 1615 to 1557.

Winning a lot of the head-to-head Fantasy results over the season is some consolation for what has been a trying year for fans.

Captain Brendon Goddard was the best of the Bombers with 140 points thanks to his 31 disposals, 11 marks and six tackles. He led from the front, working hard in the engine room.

Zach Merrett took his season average to 118.1 off the back of his 130 point game. He is now worth $607,000 and he is just 33 points behind Patrick Dangerfield as the highest scoring player this year. Merrett appears in more than 30 per cent of teams and should finish the year as the highest averaging forward in the competition. Who knows, he might even knock Dangerfield off with some big games in the final five rounds.

It was pleasing to see Matthew Leuenberger play well against his old club. He managed to win the hitout count 36-29 against his former team mate Stefan Martin. Leuenberger was able to collect 28 disposals, take two marks and lay three tackles for 101 points.

Last week’s Rising Star nominee, Orazio Fantasia, turned it on in the last quarter kicking three goals to add 47 points and finish on 94 points.

On debut, Aaron Francis looked at home on the big stage finding the ball 16 times while taking seven marks. He was used in defence before heading up forward in the second half. He added $11K and goes into this week with a breakeven of 27.

ESSENDON’S TOP 10 SCORERS V BRISBANE LIONS - Rd 18

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