Essendon VFL’s match against Footscray went down to the wire with the Dons falling just short.

Here are some of the players that impressed.

Josh Begley

The first year player doesn’t need a lot of the ball to make an impact.

He finished with 11 disposals against Footscray but it was his ability to set up multiple attacks and ultimately goal scoring opportunities that caught the attention.

Begley's forward pressure was a highlight.  He finished with four tackles, including two that were rewarded with a free kick.

Heath Hocking

Hocking finished with 29 disposals and was a major ball winner on Friday night.

The left footer had 14 kicks, opening up the field and giving the Dons opportunities inside 50.

He stopped the run of Footscray multiple times, laying six tackles and taking four marks.

This is the fifth time from seven games that Hocking has been named among the best.

Matt Dea           

Dea’s renowned tenacity in defence was highlighted by a ferocious takedown of Bulldog Patrick Lipinski.

He ran 20m and caught his opposition, bringing him to ground with a huge tackle resulting in Essendon’s free kick.

Dea was strong overhead taking nine marks including two contested.

He finished with 22 disposals.

Kyle Langford

Langford was again a standout for the Dons, collecting 26 disposals.

He took five marks and slotted one goal.

He continues to be a standout performer for Essendon, this is the third time in the past four games he has been named among the top players.

Shaun McKernan produced another excellent performance against Footscray. Photo: Ben Johnstone

Shaun McKernan

McKernan is becoming a major threat to the opposition in the Bombers forward line. He kicked four goals in the round eight game, taking his season total to 15 goals.

The tall forward was brutal in attack.  He took nine marks on the weekend, including two soaring efforts where he rose above the pack to take two contested marks.

Although McKernan has dominated in the VFL, the Rookie listed player is ineligible for AFL selection at the moment unless there is a long term injury.

Jake Long

Long performed strongly in the midfield. He chased down the Dogs multiple times, laying three strong tackles.

He was able to find space and provide run on the outside to help drive the ball inside 50.

The wiry wingman finished with 17 disposals and six marks.

From the VFL list

James Ferry

Ferry created multiple turnovers taking nine defensive marks, including two contested.

He laid a brilliant tackle in Footscray’s forward 50 to get the Dons out of dangerous territory.

He finished with 16 disposals.