Grading every player as Dons rise to third with strong Eagles win

Essendon are well and truly entrenched in the top four after beating West Coast 122-92 at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

While they got the job done, the club’s ninth win of the season from 14 games didn’t come all that easy after the Eagles got off to a strong start to even lead at quarter time.

The Dons began to work their way on top in the second though as they controlled the ball in the air and found targets inside 50, allowing them to put a 23-point buffer in-between them and their opponents at half-time.

While the Eagles had enough chances to get themselves back into in the third, inaccuracy cost them before the Brad Scott’s side put them away late with some high-powered offensive footy.

For the Bombers, Jake Stringer was dominant and a game-breaker with five goals and 20 disposals, while midfielders Jye Caldwell, Sam Durham and Zach Merrett were immense.

For the Eagles, they got some good performances from a cast of veteran stars but were ultimately no match for a side that appears finals-bound.

The win means Essendon jump ahead of Collingwood into third, while also being a game and a half clear inside the top four now that all of the byes are complete.

They next play Geelong at the MCG next Saturday night while West Coast head home to Perth where they face Hawthorn to wrap up Round 16.

Our player grades.

Essendon

Jake Stringer: A+

Easily best afield when the game was there to be won. Kicked five goals to go with 20 disposals, just one short of his career-high of six majors.

Sam Durham: A+

Had 20 disposals and a goal as he continues to grow week by week. Another really impressive outing.

Matt Guelfi: A

Kicked a couple of goals to go with 15 disposals. It felt like a lot of his touches resulted turned to gold.

Zach Merrett: A

Another strong game on-ball finishing with 29 disposals and a goal. Not as absolutely impactful as he has been but still quality.

Jye Caldwell: A

Had 28 disposals and a goal of his own as he continues to form a strong on-ball partnership with Merrett and Durham.

Nic Martin: B+

Used the ball really well by foot today.

Jayden Laverde: B+

Peter Wright: B

Pretty good response from Wright after a couple of down weeks. Kicked two goals.

Xavier Duursma: B

Jordan Ridley: B

Andrew McGrath: B

Sam Draper: B

Played a sole ruck role with Todd Goldstein a late change and got the better of Matt Flynn in their ruck battle.

Mason Redman: B-

Nate Caddy: B

Didn’t get a heap of it but showed some great signs with two goals that will please Essendon fans.

Ben McKay: B-

Dyson Heppell: C+

Harry Jones: C+

Was used mainly as a marking option on a wing.

Archie Perkins: C+

Had some nice moments but wasn’t as good as he has been on occasion this year.

Kyle Langford: C+

Kicked two goals but was pretty quiet otherwise.

Jake Kelly: C

Nick Hind: C

Nik Cox: N/A

Was subbed out after appearing to hurt his knee in the last term. Had nine disposals playing as a half back.

Jye Menzie: N/A

Was subbed on for Nik Cox midway through the last term.

West Coast

Elliot Yeo: A

Continues to enjoy a really dominant season on-ball with 20 disposals, 13 tackles and a goal.

Jamie Cripps: A

Started like a house on fire and could have had a massive impact if it wasn’t for his inaccuracy. Finished with 2.3 and 19 disposals.

Oscar Allen: B+

An almost game on return kicking 2.4. Will no doubt be better for the run as he really began to impact in the second half.

Tom Barrass: B+

Jeremy McGovern: B+

Was really good early in the air playing on Nate Caddy but didn’t do a lot in the second half.

Jake Waterman: B+

Kicked another three goals and wasn’t impacted from an impact point of view despite Oscar Allen returning to the side.

Jack Petruccelle: B+

Kicked three goals and was pretty dangerous as a speedy forward.

Liam Duggan: B

Reuben Ginbey: B

Started well playing as an inside midfielder but faded away a little as the game went on.

Jack Darling: B

A couple of goals as part of a three-pronged tall forward line with Waterman and Allen.

Liam Ryan: B-

Jamaine Jones: C+

Brady Hough: C+

Tyler Brockman: C+

Campbell Chesser: C

Played on a wing and kicked a goal. Starting to show some signs as he gets further exposed to senior footy.

Matt Flynn: C-

Was beaten by Sam Draper in their ruck battle.

Alex Witherden: N/A

Josh Rotham: C-

Bailey Williams: C-

Jayden Hunt: C-

Played primarily as a half forward.

Tom Cole: C-

Ryan Maric: C-

Subbed out for Hutchinson late in the fourth quarter wiht 13 touches to his name.

Jack Hutchinson: N/A

Came on late in the fourth term for Ryan Maric.