It was a dominant performance on the stat sheet for Essendon, helping the Bombers secure a 23-point win over the Tigers.

Essendon were able to get back to their ball winning ways, being a staggering plus 100 in disposals (442-342), an impressive plus 22 in clearances (45-23). Statistics the side were convincingly beat in the week previous against the Dogs.

The side was also able to win the tackle count by 20 (74-54), showing an impressive intent on the ball.

The game featured some of the strongest individual performances of the season, highlighted by Yiooken Medal winner, Nic Martin.

Nic Martin

Two goals, 35 disposals, nine marks, eight tackles, six clearances, 10 score involvements, 660 metres gained, 81% disposal efficiency

You can’t have much more of a complete performance than our No.37 stacked up on Friday night. Marto was everywhere, collecting 35 disposals accompanied by nine marks. His work wasn’t bruise free however, with Nic also registering a career-high eight tackles. To conclude his staggering numbers were six clearances, 10 score-involvements and a game-high 660 metres gained, at a very effective 81% efficiency.

Zach Merrett

37 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles, 20 handball receives, nine score involvements, 59% defensive poss.

Oh captain, my captain, the skipper was back to his best against the Tigers gathering 37 disposals, featuring heavily in the defensive half – 59% possessions registering behind the ball. He also had a massive 20 handball receives, showcasing the versatility that has made him one of the most dynamic players in the AFL. Despite being featured heavily in the back half, Merrett was still prominent in the scoring chains, featuring in nine.

Jye Caldwell

29 disposals, 16 cont. possessions, 11 tackles, 10 ground ball gets

It was a working-class, blue-collar shift for Jye. The inside midfielder was back to his ball winning best, accumulating 29 total disposals with 16 being contested (game-high) and 10 coming from ground ball gets. He was also the game’s leading tackler, wrapping up the opposition effectively 11 times.

Sam Durham

One goal, 26 disposals, 12 score involvements, five tackles

Ever consistent and effective, the hard running midfielder continued to build in what has already been a strong season. Durham was able to again hit the scoreboard while amassing 26 possessions. As usual, he was impactful in scoring chains being involved in 12.

Angus Clarke

Three goals, 16 disposals, eight marks, eight score involvements, two contested marks

The boy from Tantanoola wasted no time making an impact in a debut for the ages. The 18-year-old kicked three goals, taking three marks inside 50 with two being contested. He ran hard all day on the wing, showcasing his impressive work rate that has been well documented in the Bomber’s pre-season time trials.

Andrew McGrath

31 disposals, seven intercepts, 539 metres gained, 80.6% disposals efficiency

The vice-captain has continued to grow into the season nicely, asserting himself as a prime mover across the backline. The half-back intercepted on seven possessions and was able to obtain the ball 31 times. He was effective on exits going outside the defensive 50, having five rebounds, helping attribute to his 539 metres gained.

Archie Roberts

34 disposals, 549 metres gained, 19 handball receives

What a season so far for the newly appointed number 21. Archie hit a career-high at Dreamtime, accumulating 34 disposals, his season average now sitting at 24.5 per game. Having only played 14 games for his career, the 19-year-old’s composure and ability to link up play through the ground (19 handball receives) has impressed week to week.

Peter Wright

17 disposals, 17 hit outs, two goals

Forward, ruck? Enter Peter Wright. The 2023 Crichton medallist has wasted no time since returning to the side, not only playing a pivotal role forward of the ball, but also in the ruck. Two-metre Peter was able to gather an equal 17 disposals and hitouts, while also able to still hit the scoreboard with two majors. This backs up a 16 disposal and 15 hitout effort from the week prior.

Jaxon Prior

23 disposals, 20 kicks, eight marks

Steadily building a strong debut season in the Red and Black, Jaxon Prior was important down back, using his left leg to help move the ball from the defensive 50, registering a tied game-high seven rebounds. The backman was able to gather 23 disposals, a tied career-high (previously registered against Sydney in round nine).