The VFL Bombers put up a solid fight against last year’s Grand Finalist in Box Hill on the weekend, however came up short on the back of a number of costly skill errors.

Still, there were a number of stand out players who continue to firm in line for a call up to the AFL squad for Sunday.

We put the microscope on the players who could well be on James Hird’s radar come Thursday evening selection time.

Alex Browne

Browne just keeps finding the ball at VFL level and an AFL call up doesn’t look too far away. Obviously on the road back from a long term injury sustained during last year’s pre-season, Browne is beginning to play himself towards full fitness. With yet again another clinical display of 29 disposals, including 14 marks and a goal could be just what gets him over the line and back into the squad to play Brisbane Sunday afternoon.

Tayte Pears

Pears was back in action for the VFL side on the weekend and he picked up from where he left off against Sandringham in round one.  More commonly seen at AFL level in defence, Pears was again used as a forward in the VFL side.  He booted three goals and pulled down five marks.  With the Bombers struggling to kick a winning score at senior level, Pears could enter selection discussions over the next few weeks.  A return would provide a great boost for his teammates who have watched the talented West Australian battle through constant injury setbacks.

Orazio Fantasia

What the South Australian lacks in size, he more than makes up for in evasiveness.  The 72 kilogram small forward has a knack of kicking goals but can also move in to the midfield.  He racked up 24 possessions and laid four tackles against a quality opponent in Box Hill on the weekend.  With Nick Kommer still sidelined, the Bombers have lacked a genuine forward crumber and Fantasia could be the man to come in and play that role for James Hird’s team.

Jayden Laverde

Bomber fans have plenty to be bullish about when they see how this youngster goes about his footy. Laverde has sensational attack on the ball, is very skillful and also has the brains to match. Laverde’s stats don’t tell the full story from his game from the weekend, with the first-round draft pick arguably playing his best match of the year in the VFL. He gathered 11 disposals, took five marks and booted a goal, but was heavily praised by the coach following the match for his unselfish work and could well be what Essendon are looking for to ease their forward-line woes.