Essendon VFL’s leading goal kicker, Alex Boyse, continued his impressive season with four goals in the win over Collingwood on Sunday.
Boyse dominated in the forward line, taking his season total to 26 goals, in the Dons 14 point victory.
The 23 year old has played 13 games for the Bombers this season, averaging two goals per appearance.
“He’s been really consistent for us,” Performance Coach Mark Corrigan said.
“He works super hard so it’s a good reward for him.
“He’s quite hard to play on because of his ability to mark above his head and then his speed at ground level.
“Boyse is having a great year and he’s a really good focal point for us down there.”
Patrick Ambrose continued his return to football, in an impressive four-quarter performance in the back line.
He finished with 11 disposals, five marks and one tackle and now has two full games under his belt.
Brent Stanton produced another consistent four quarter performance.
The experienced midfielder finished with 28 disposals, five marks and four tackles.
Stanton booted two goals for the Dons, including a snap from the boundary line.
“He’s put some really good performances together,” Corrigan said.
“We are relying on his experience out there and we’re seeing that now – not only that but his ball use going forward and then his class to finish the work and kick a couple of goals.
“He has been a really integral part of us winning games over the last month.”
The comeback win sees the Bombers retain their spot in the top eight but the victory was soured by an injury to Jackson Merrett.
He fractured his fibula in a marking contest in the third quarter and underwent surgery on Sunday night.
“We are wishing him all the best with his recover and hope he will be back on the track soon,” Corrigan said.
Collingwood controlled much of the game in the first three quarters.
But the Bombers kicked five goals to Collingwood’s one in the final term to secure a 14 point win.
Corrigan praised the entire team for their efforts and attitude in the closing stages of the game.
“We asked more of them in the last quarter,” Corrigan said.
“The pressure they applied was outstanding for the full last quarter.
“We were able to get re-entries inside forward 50 and keep the pressure on Collingwood. Eventually we were able to kick a winning score.
“Through the first half it was probably the other way around. We weren’t able to play the game in our half and we weren’t generating enough scoring opportunities.
“It’s a real credit to the boys to be able to turn the game around.”
Brian Graham and Eamonn Ogden debuted in the black and red.
The pair showed promising signs throughout the game.
Graham collected 11 disposals and three marks, while Ogden finished with eight disposals and three marks.
“I though Graham showed a little bit, in terms of his ability to hold composure with the ball in hand and then to execute,” Corrigan said.
“We like his speed and he gives us something a little bit different.
“Hopefully we can keep him in there and get him going.
“I though Ogden got better as the game went on. His pressure in the last quarter was super.
“He played a lot up forward, he played a really important role for us – it’s really promising.”
Essendon 15.10.100
Collingwood 13.8.86
Goals: Boyse 4, McKernan 3, Stanton 2, Bird, Francis, Begley, Merrett, Hind, Hocking
Disposals: Stanton 28, Bird 25, Mutch 23
