Jobe Watson, Jason Layock, Jason Winderlich, Brent Stanton and Ricky Dyson have barely played 40 games between them. Marc Bullen and Ted Richards are hardly experienced campaigners either. But each played an important role in a very important win and it did it in a manner that suggests they might just become the bones of a very good side once it fully matures.
Sheedy has threatened to go with the kids a number of times this season but has never fully followed through on the threat. But last weekend’s ""embarrassing"" loss to Carlton was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The axe was swung – if the Bombers were going to miss the finals they were going to do it the right way and that was with an eye to the future.
Jobe Watson started the game exceptionally well kicking two first quarter goals – each displaying his two key qualities. His first goal came courtesy of a strong mark at the top of the goal-square – his age belies his strength and it was apparent early. His second goal came from a mark taken after he freed himself up 40m out from goal. He has football smarts and he simply lost his opponent in heavy traffic. Watson had a hand in a couple of other goals and he will have taken great confidence out of the performance.
Brent Stanton. We know this young man can play and he further enhanced that reputation last night. Stanton collected 16 possessions for the night – a solid return after starting on the bench. Although given little respect from the opposition, Stanton has a very big engine and he ran the lines well. He laid three tackles and delivered the ball inside 50m four times. It was a polished display and he will only get better.
Ricky Dyson. Dyson picked up 16 possessions for the night – nine of them coming when the heat was on in the final quarter. He was also given plenty of latitude by the Magpies and they paid the penalty in the end. Dyson kicked two goals, the second a superb left-foot snap late in the final quarter that put the match beyond doubt. He just looks all class.
Jason Winderlich was given the job on the dangerous and in-form Leon Davis and he did it well. Davis kicked two goals but one was the result of a dubious free kick. Winderlich collected the ball 11 times and his electrifying pace was obvious. With confidence we will see more of that and defence might just be his spot at this stage of his career. His disposal was excellent.
Jason Laycock didn’t spend a lot of time on the ground but he went into the ruck for a large chunk of the final quarter. Laycock won nine hitouts at a very important time of the game. He only got a couple of possessions but he is an exciting prospect. He is yet to play a senior game in conditions that suit and when that day comes Essendon fans might just see the emergence of a high quality ruckman / forward.
