Coaches were able to get their first look at some of the VFL listed players in Saturday’s match.

The second practice match against Footscray was the first chance for many players to run out, after the list had been finalized earlier in the week. 

VFL Coach, Matthew Egan, was particularly impressed with the work put in by midfielder Chris Peart. 

Peart was one of the fresh-faces to join Essendon VFL this year, joining the team after an impressive season with St.Bernards in 2015.

After an injury interrupted pre-season due to a hamstring injury, Peart played in the second half against Footscray and had an immediate impact around the ball.

“Chris only played the second half, but he was a real standout for us around the ball,” said Egan 

“His clearances, use of the ball and his ability to win the one-on-ones in tight situations was something that he gave us that the team really lacked in the first half.

“For him, it’s now about building and finding his feet at a VFL level and seeing if he can push his way into our best team.”

Ben Dobson was also among the best, proving to be a reliable target for the team in the forward line.

The tall forward has had a strong pre-season with Essendon VFL and finished the day with two goals.

Egan was clearly impressed by ‘Dobbo’,  highlighting his reliability on the field and importance to the team structure.

“His second efforts are great, he hits the scoreboard and you just always know what you’re going to get with Dobbo,” said Egan

“He still has a lot to work on, but he works hard on his game.

“It’s just about building, continually improving and really cementing his spot in the team.”

The team will look to improve on the weekend’s result on Friday when they take on Richmond VFL in their final practice match before the beginning of the season.

Fans are invited to attend the game which will kick-off at 4:30pm at Punt Road.