VFL interim coach Paul Corrigan admits it’s likely be a battle of the talls on Sunday when the Bombers face the Casey Scorpions at Windy Hill.
“They’ve got Max Gawn, Jake Spencer and Jack Fitzpatrick– so they’re a tall side. They could be throwing them through the ruck and forward so we will have to combat them,” Corrigan said.
“But we’ve got a plethora of talls as well that we can use down back with Steiny (Ariel Steinberg) and Gwilty (James Gwilt), so I think we’ve got a good mix through our side that can hopefully get the win against Casey this weekend.”
Essendon will look to build from their first VFL win last week after knocking over the Pies, but an all-round team performance is needed according to the interim coach.
“It was a really good team performance and we played the way we really wanted to play, so hopefully we can bring more of that against Casey at home this Sunday.”
Corrigan was thrilled with the announcement of first-year Bomber Kyle Langford making his debut at AFL level this weekend, while also suggesting there are others that could follow in his footsteps.
“It just goes to show that he’s in his first year and we’re four weeks into the season and he’s already making his debut, which is fantastic for the club and Kyle.
“It also gives that confidence for the other young guys in the VFL team that if you put in some solid performances and play their role, they’re a good chance to play in coming weeks as well.”
Corrigan has been appointed the interim VFL coach for the next fortnight as a result Hayden Skipworth’s AFL duties. The clash of AFL and VFL matches on the same day will result in Skipworth missing the VFL due to his commitments as stoppage and midfield coach at AFL level.
Corrigan expects things to stay remain consistent when he takes on the head coaching role with the VFL side.
“I think it’s going to be much the same that Skippy has done– we tend to work pretty much the same in the roles.
“Obviously he’s looking after the stoppages and midfield at the AFL level, so it’s going to happen again throughout the year.”