Essendon's VFL side is in a strong position at the halfway point of the season.

The side is in second position and is benefiting from the talents of some exciting young players, as well as experienced players pushing for a senior recall.

 

 

2015 VFL Averages

 

Mid-Season Summary

Tayte Pears

2015 VFL games: 6

Goals: 8

Disposals: 8

Marks: 5

Tackles: 2

Inside 50s: 2

 

Pears continues to hold down a key position post up forward in the VFL and has played some particularly good games so far.

He's booted eight goals in six games in this new role.

Kyle Langford

2015 VFL games: 6

Goals: 5

Disposals: 13

Marks: 5

Tackles: 3

Inside 50s: 2

 

The smooth-moving Langford has already made his AFL debut this season.

He's provided moments of brilliance that suggest he has a bright future.

Jason Ashby

2015 VFL games: 5

Disposals: 18

Marks: 5

Tackles: 7

Inside 50s: 3

Rebound 50s: 2

 

21-year-old Ashby has played three senior games this season.

His immense tackling pressure and exceptional ball use in the VFL have been a strong feature.

James Gwilt

2015 VFL games: 5

 

Disposals: 22

Marks: 7

Tackles: 2

Inside 50s: 2

Rebound 50s: 3

 

Gwilt oozes class and experience when he’s back at VFL level and is a ready-made replacement for the AFL when required.

The 28-year-old is strong and a good user of the ball.  He has plenty of big-match experience too.

Will Hams

2015 VFL games: 4

 

Disposals: 14

Marks: 2

Tackles: 6

Inside 50s: 2

Rebound 50s: 2

 

Hard-nosed Hams had a great moment playing his first senior game in more than a year on ANZAC Day earlier this season.

 The coaches love the way Hams plays his footy particularly in and around the contest.

Jackson Merrett

2015 VFL games: 4

Goals 3

Disposals: 22

Marks: 6

Tackles: 3

Inside 50s: 3

Rebound 50s: 1

 

Merrett is a class act at VFL level.  He was tried in the forward half for a few weeks in the AFL, but when he returns to the VFL he is a genuine ball winner. 

With silky skills and excellent defensive skills, he’s one with a bright future.

Jake Long

2015 VFL games: 4

Goals 2

Disposals: 7

Marks: 2

Tackles: 2

Inside 50s: 1

 

Rookie-listed Long was beginning to string some good games together, before a hand injury in round four.

Long is nearing a return which will assist his development.

Jason Winderlich

2015 VFL games: 2

Disposals: 19

Marks: 11

Tackles: 3

Inside 50s: 4

Rebound 50s: 2

 

Winderlich has played two games in the VFL as he returns from a back injury.

He’s looked classy since his comeback and could be a chance of a recall after the break.

Courtenay Dempsey

2015 VFL games: 2

Disposals: 23

Marks: 9

Tackles: 5

Inside 50s: 3

Rebound 50s: 3

 

Dempsey gathered 28 touches in his most recent VFL game and the defensive side of his game was also excellent.

His run and creativity is important for the senior side.

Nick Kommer

2015 VFL games: 1

Disposals: 9

Marks: 0

Tackles: 5

 

Kommer collected nine possessions in his first match in more than a year.

The 24-year-old's manic tackling pressure around the ball was a highlight.

Tom Bellchambers

2015 VFL games: 1

Goals: 4

 

Disposals: 20

Marks: 4

Tackles: 1

Hitouts: 24

Inside 50s: 6

Rebound 50s: 2

 

Bellchambers played his first VFL game of the season.  Like Dempsey, Bellchambers four-goal performance was just what he needed.  

The confidence he will gain from that will have him well placed should he be recalled to the senior side.