In defeat to the SUNS on Saturday, Essendon saw plenty of promising signs from its youngsters, reflected on the stats sheet.

The Marvel Stadium clash saw career-high numbers out of Sam Durham and Isaac Kako, with some emerging forward talent also firing.

Stats that mattered from round 17:

Durham’s day out

Back for his first game from a two-week suspension back in round 13, Sam Durham showcased exactly what the Bomber faithful had been missing.

A brutish display saw the midfielder record a career-high 12 clearances and 18 contested possessions from his 27 touches, often keeping the Dons’ on-ball brigade in with a chance thanks to his aggression on the inside.

The 23-year-old also racked up seven score involvements and six inside 50’s, showing just how damaging he can be pushing the footy forward of centre.

Kako’s career-high

A lot came together for Isaac Kako on Saturday.

In a debut season mostly highlighted by his defensive pressure and repeat running, the small forward got more reward with ball in hand this time around, finishing with a career-best 17 disposals and five tackles.

Also hitting the scoreboard with his clever dribbling finish in the third term, Kako’s four-quarter performance was arguably the best he’s pieced together as a Don so far, with his seven score involvements ranked equal second among all teammates on the day.

Young forwards shine 

The pairing of Nate Caddy and Archie May could be an enticing one in years to come for the Bombers.

Like he has for much of his second campaign, Caddy looked dangerous both up the ground and as a deep threat with six inside 50’s and three goals to his name. The former top 10 pick was also good for 349 metres gained on Saturday, constantly advancing territory for his side.

May’s burst of goalkicking exploits also looked to potentially break the contest open in an exciting third term, with three majors in as many minutes a strong stint to remember in just his third career game.