A number of Essendon-listed players put their hands up for senior selection in the Bendigo Bombers' 52-point win over Frankston at Windy Hill on Sunday, with Michael Hibberd and David Hille leading the way.

 

Despite inaccuracy in front of goal, the Bombers won comfortably, running out winners 17.29 (131) to the Dolphins' 12.7 (79).
 
Bendigo backed up its surprise win over reigning premiers North Ballarat last week with a comfortable win over the Dolphins, and Grant was impressed by the victory, despite his side's inaccuracy in front of goal.

""For the majority of the day we played pretty well, we just didn't hit the scoreboard as often as we probably could have. But apart from the missed opportunities in front of goal, I thought we played some really good footy,"" Grant told essendonfc.com.au.
Ariel Steinberg was the leading goalkicker for Bendigo, with the first-year forward kicking three majors, while Hille, Jay Neagle, Matthew Little, Mark Williams and captain Ben Duscher all chipped in with two goals each.

Hille was particularly impressive, roaming the ground in a consistent four-quarter performance. Though his game time was limited to roughly 75%, he was able to impact the game while in the ruck and was also a strong target up forward.

""Hilley' was great. His attitude was really good and he did what he had to. He got some quality game time under his belt through the midfield and up forward, and certainly got a fair bit out of the game,"" Grant said.

Hibberd's raking long kick and marking strength was crucial in helping the Bombers set up their forward movements. A goal late in the game was just icing on the cake for Hibberd.

""Hibbo was also very good. Considering he's missed four or five weeks of footy, to come in and play the way he did was really good. I think if he keeps putting in performances like that he won't be too far away (from senior selection), but whether it's this week or not I'm not sure,"" he said.

After a best-on-ground performance in last week's win over North Ballarat, Kyle Reimers again put in a good showing as he pushes for senior selection.

 

Mark Williams created a number of opportunities in front of goal but was wasteful with his shots. A flying mark in the last quarter, when he leaped and got further elevation off his Frankston opponent, was the highlight of his game.
 
""Mark was pretty good. He didn't kick straight, but the signs are really encouraging. He was working hard to win the footy and not only was he working hard up the ground, he was also working hard back the other way. He certainly took a big step forward yesterday and showed what he was capable of when he's up and about.""

Andrew Welsh continued to make progress from an abdominal injury, while Michael Quinn (last year's best and fairest winner), and Henry Slattery, back from a broken thumb, were all contributors to the victory.
 
SCORES:
Bendigo Bombers: 17.29 (131)  
Frankston 12.7 (79).

GOALS:
Bendigo Bombers: A. Steinberg 3, B. Duscher 2, J. Neagle 2, M. Williams 2, M. Little 2, D. Hille 2, T. Dickson , M. Hibberd , K. Reimers , T. Colyer
 
BEST:
Bendigo Bombers: R. Dyson, M. Quinn, M. Hibberd, B. Duscher, K. Reimers, H. Slattery

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