The VFL Bombers recorded a massive victory in the context of their season, moving a game clear of Geelong on the ladder and back into the top four. The Bombers now sit in fourth position behind Casey, Williamstown and Box Hill, with three wins and two losses.
Here are some of the players who may be in contention for a call-up to the senior side this week.
Jackson Merrett
30 disposals (14 kicks, 16 handballs), three goals, five marks, six tackles, eight inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
The injury to Jonathan Simpkin may provide the opportunity for Merrett to break his way back into the senior line-up. The 23 year-old's last month of VFL footy has brought 24, 21, 25 and now 30 disposals. His three goals on Saturday, including one after the siren, capped an afternoon where he was never far from the action.
Shaun Edwards
17 disposals (12 kicks, five handballs), two goals, one mark, three tackles, five inside 50’s, one rebound 50.
Edwards was one of the Bombers who really stepped up late in the game. Edwards kicked a vital goal in the last quarter, but was influential with the ball and broke the line of the Cats defence with some daring run and carry. May not have been his largest numbers of the season, but by far his biggest influence.
Conor McKenna
16 disposals (12 kicks, four handballs), one goal, six marks, two tackles, three inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.
McKenna was one who kept the Bombers in the fight when the Cats took control of the back half of the third quarter. He found space regularly and his skill level was a standout on the day. His set shot goal from 50 metres to regain the Essendon lead late in the last quarter was clutch.
Martin Gleeson
25 disposals (14 kicks, 11 handballs), three marks, four inside 50’s, four rebound 50’s.
Looked good in his comeback VFL game after playing the first six in the AFL, was settled in the back half which was under some pressure in the tight game.
Mark Jamar
22 disposals (eight kicks, 14 handballs), six marks, one tackle, three inside 50’s, one rebound 50, 40 hitouts.
May not be in serious contention for selection with Matthew Leuenberger doing well, but Jamar is now back to his best and for the second week in a row has dominated the opposition. Won 40 of the Bombers 53 hitouts (Geelong had 19) and was a big presence around the ground. If the coaching staff were ever going to play both Leuenberger and Jamar, this weekend against North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein may be it.
Will Hams
28 disposals (nine kicks, 19 handballs), two marks, five tackles, one inside 50, two rebound 50’s.
Is ineligible for selection while on the rookie list but deserves a mention none the less. Was unable to lift his arm above his head last week with a shoulder injury, but came back in style and won the ball repeatedly for the Bombers in the clinches of the contest.
Best of the VFL
Jack Langford
16 disposals (10 kicks, six handballs), three goals, eight marks, two tackles, one inside 50’s.
Langford was the main man up forward this week, his best game in his four outings this season. Stood up when it counted, his third goal the sealer from a tight angle in the pocket. His three goals take his season tally to nine.
Daniel Coghlan
20 disposals (10 kicks, six handballs), one goal, three marks, six tackles, five inside 50’s, two rebound 50’s.
Feel like he will be a constant in this section each week, Cogs was again a standout in and around the contest.
Key stats
Essendon 16.9 (105) defeated Geelong 12.12 (84)
Disposals: Essendon 376 – Geelong 380
Kicks: Essendon 201 – Geelong 178
Handballs: Essendon 175 – Geelong 202
Marks: Essendon 87 – Geelong 73
Hitouts: Essendon 53 – Geelong 19
Inside 50’s: Essendon 50 (Jamar with 40) – Geelong 63
Tackles: Essendon 62 – Geelong 79
