Robert Shaw says he was impressed by the form of Jayden Laverde and Kyle Langford in Essendon’s win over Carlton.
Laverde (seven marks, one goal) and Langford (nine marks, three goals) played across half forward.
The pair are in their second AFL season after being picked up in the first round of the 2014 National Draft.
Langford has played 17 games this season, performing a numbers of different roles.
He ran with Patrick Dangerfield in the NAB Challenge, then in the home and away season gained regular midfield minutes, played forward and even had a brief stint in defence.
Laverde's exposure was slightly stymied by a shoulder injury early in the year, but he returned to play the last eight games.
“I loved the work of Laverde. We’ve got to remember this boy has lost half a season so he’s probably coming into form now unfortunately for him,” Shaw said.
“That will do him (Langford) the world of good. He looks like a boy who needs people to believe in him and needs to believe in himself.
“Their combination was exciting.”
The Bombers rounded off the season with a 24-point win over their archrival.
The side used the ball at 80% efficiency and despite having less inside 50’s (Essendon 45, Carlton 61), was more efficient when they did go deep into attack (Essendon 62%, Carlton 48%).
“The highlight for me was the linking between ball movement into the forward line and the structure of the forward line,” Shaw said.
“I think the three areas of the team – backline, midfield, forward line – were totally dominant.
“It was the best phases of play they’ve been able to put together.
“It has been a work in progress and it was so great to see that on the weekend.
“This was one of the better examples of how a team can play together and I thought everything from their transfer of play, their running and link play and their use of the ball through the middle of the ground was excellent.”
Joe Daniher was one of the Dons best, finishing with five goals from his 17 disposals.
“We know Joe Daniher had a superb game and wasn’t he relaxed? Maybe it comes down to just being relaxed,” Shaw said.
“It appeared his run up was shorter so he just got back, thought about it for a little while and just relaxed and kicked.”
