Swingman Jake Carlisle says his historic performance in yesterday’s 64-point win over Collingwood proves he can be a dominant weapon in the Bombers forward line.

The 22-year-old was clearly best on ground against the Magpies taking a record 19 marks, 26 disposals and a career best four goals.

Despite the early season criticism, Carlisle believes his performance can consolidate his position up forward for Essendon.

“I just want to show people I can play forward, and obviously it hasn’t worked out well, but today was a good stepping stone and hopefully going forward it can keep going,” Carlisle said.

“Obviously I’ve been working on my game whether it’s forward or back and I just want to be the best player I can.”

The 64-gamer said a good start to the match held him in good stead for the rest of the match.

“I felt like I started off really well and most the time when you do start well it goes through for the whole game,” said Carlisle.

“I think it just helps when the midfielders are winning the footy and the backs are doing their job on their opponents.”

“I thought the delivery to me was the best I’ve ever had, so I guess when they’re out in front you can’t complain when you’re marking a few.”

Accurate kicking in front of goal had been something that has haunted the Dons leading into the match. We ranked second last in the competition in goal accuracy percentage, yet it wasn't an issue against the Pies as we booted 15 goals and just one behind at one stage in the game.

“We focused on it during the week and the past few weeks as well,” Carlisle said.

“We’ve missed a lot of easy goals and a lot of goals outside 50, so we tried to get them within 30-40 meters out, directly in front, and percentages say you’re going to kick most of them.”

He said despite the absence of key pair Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard throughout the midfield, the 22 players on the day did their role for the team leading to the victory.

“We had no Jobe, or BJ but Myers, Heppell and little Zachy Merrett when he’s in there, they’re all just stepping up.”

“What’s good is that blokes are doing their role too, so it helps as a forward and also helps the team as well.”

“The boys started well and it’s a credit to us as well because we kept Collingwood to 39 points, and it was just a good defensive game.”

comments powered by Disqus