Essendon’s trio of 2015 VFL draftees continued to battle against the tide in defence during another big loss for the Bombers in week 4 of the NAB Challenge.
After Sunday’s 105-point defeat to West Coast at Domain Stadium, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (pick no.22, Rookie Draft - pictured), Michael Hartley (pick no.68, AFL Draft) and Mitch Brown (pick no.54, AFL Draft) have now played in all three pre-season matches.
Against the Eagles, ex-Essendon VFL small defender McDonald-Tipungwuti, 22, had 16 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency and took eight marks in 74 per cent game time to further push his chances of being upgraded to Essendon’s senior list ahead of Round 1.
Former Coburg key defender Hartley, 22, had nine disposals at 89 per cent efficiency and four one-percenters in 83 per cent game time, while ex-Sandringham key-position player Brown, 25, recorded nine disposals and six marks in just 58 per cent game time. Both men are strong chances to secure places in a Bombers back line missing All Australian talls Cale Hooker and Michael Hurley throughout 2016.
In Geelong’s 12-point loss to Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Saturday, former Geelong VFL defender Tom Ruggles (pick no.44, Rookie Draft) also pressed his claims for elevation to the Cats’ senior list for Round 1. The 23-year-old could be set to take the injured Jackson Thurlow’s spot in the team’s back six after having 10 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency and four rebound-50s in 74 per cent game time against the Dockers.
Related stories:
- VFL draftees in NAB Challenge week 1
- VFL draftees in NAB Challenge week 2
- VFL draftees in NAB Challenge week 3
Last Modified on 15/03/2016 13:44
