Essendon coach Hayden Skipworth is pleased with the progress of the club’s VFL program following its second season as a stand-alone side.

The Bombers began its stand alone set up two seasons ago under the guidance of Skipworth and VFL Operations Manager Matt Little.

Essendon finished the season tenth on the ladder with seven wins and a draw.

Skipworth said the structure of the club’s VFL system was continuing to build a strong foundation for developing AFL players.

“We are certainly striving to get better every year and I think this year we have done that,” he said.

“We have been able to gradually evolve and build this program.

“It is obviously our second year and we have been able to retain key staff which has been beneficial for the organization.”

“To have similar voices sending a similar message to the playing group is good.”

Skipworth pointed to the season of Zach Merrett, Marty Gleeson and Jason Ashby as examples of the club’s development program working successfully.

Jason Ashby and Marty Gleeson looked at ease following their debut earlier in the season while Zach Merrett has played 18 matches in his first season at AFL level.

“We are obviously all about developing the young AFL list so to have so many guys debut and contribute when they play that is what it is all about,” he said.

“To see the young guys develop over time has been very pleasing for me,”

“When they come in they are raw so to try and build them and get them to become a senior AFL listed player is exciting for me and rewarding at the same time.”