There were plenty of promising individual performances displayed in Essendon VFL’s Dreamtime game against Richmond at Punt Road Oval on Saturday.
Although it was a disappointing 17-point loss, a number of players pushed their case for senior selection.
Here are some of the main contenders...
Ben Howlett
Howlett was one of few that displayed solid four quarter football for the Dons. He finished with 36 disposals and slotted two goals.
In the four VFL games Howlett has played this season, he has averaged 26 possessions, nine tackles, three marks and a goal per game.
Sam Draper
Draper was the dominant ruckman against the Tigers. He won 22 hit outs and laid two tackles.
The 18 year old’s development has been rapid, starring in the last three weeks in the VFL and averaging 26 hit outs.
Draper has been named among the best on the field three times this season.
Dylan Clarke
Clarke was one of the major ball winners on the weekend, collecting 20 disposals, while also taking four marks and laying eight tackles.
The midfielder has averaged five tackles this season.
Ben McNiece
McNiece finished with 18 disposals and was strong in the backline taking eight defensive marks. He also laid two tackles.
McNiece has played four games for the VFL side this season, averaging seven marks and three tackles.
He got the call-up in the ANZAC game and had a solid performance collecting 11 disposals and laying three tackles. He also played the following week against Melbourne where he picked up 14 disposals.
Martin Gleeson
Gleeson was strong in defence, finishing with 17 disposals, seven marks and two tackles.
The 191cm defender spent most of the day on Richmond 198cm big man Mabior Chol. But the height difference didn’t impact Gleeson’s effectiveness, with his body positioning countering Chol’s extra reach.
Gleeson has played four games for the VFL side and was named in the best twice.
From the VFL…
Alex Boyse
Boyse was the leading goal kicker on the day, booting five goals and taking his season total to 16 goals after six games.
The 190cm forward was once again a standout overhead taking ten marks against Richmond.
This season he has averaged eight marks and four tackles.
James Ferry – State Game
Ferry played in the annual state game on Saturday against the top players from the Western Australia Football League. He played at centre half back and proved an asset to the side.
His intercept marking was a highlight, the key defender finished with five marks and 12 disposals.
It was a tough day for Victoria though, going down by 63 points.
