The Essendon match committee will have to think long and hard about the prospect of having three tall targets in front of goal when the Bombers take on St Kilda next weekend. The problem comes in the shape of Courtney Johns who brilliantly led the Bendigo Bombers to a 23-point win over the Northern Bullants this afternoon.

Johns was superb in front of goal finishing with seven goals for the day. He kicked magnificently but even more impressive was his ability to take contested marks. The match committee will now be weighing up whether Johns can join Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas inside the forward 50m.

Bendigo finished today’s game superbly kicking seven final-quarter goals to steamroll the highly-fancied Bullants. Scott Gumbleton kicked three goals with Jason Johnson, Bachar Houli and Tom Hislop each kicking two goals.

Hislop was impressive in his first outing for the season as was Jason Johnson who collected 25 possessions in the midfield. Johnson is a massive chance to return for Essendon’s game against St Kilda. Scott Camporeale also pushed his claims in a solid second-half display.

Andrew Lee and Courtenay Dempsey were other youngsters to impress. Lee is being groomed as a key position defender and he did an excellent job on bigger and more experienced opposition. Dempsey played well on the wing in the first half before being moved into defence late in the game where his running provided his side with some much needed rebound.

Bendigo will take on Sandringham at Windy Hill next Sunday afternoon at 2.10pm.