SSP hopeful Tom Edwards the shock hero as Bombers win
Tom Edwards has done his chances of landing on Essendon's list the world of good, the SSP hopeful kicking four goals in the Bombers' 19-point practice match win over the Western Bulldogs.
Edwards entered Saturday's clash at Whitten Oval hoping to impress in a bid to convince Essendon to hand him a spot on their list via the supplemental selection period.
His chance to dazzle was limited - only being unleashed after half-time.
But it was all he needed, with Edwards kicking his fourth goal by midway through the final quarter to help lead Essendon to the 11.11 (77) to 8.10 (58) victory.
Bombers SSP hopeful Tom Edwards pressed his case for a spot on Essendon's list with a four-goal outing 👀🎥: Kayo Sports/Fox Sports pic.twitter.com/wzoeHtktR2
— AFL (@AFL) February 15, 2025
Whether it was crumbing the ball, snapping in traffic or taking diving marks, Edwards proved he has what it takes to thrive at the highest level.
Small forward Isaac Kako, taken with pick No.13 in last year's national draft, showed plenty of talent in his first showing for Essendon.
His pick-up and dish-off in the second quarter was special, and he followed the play to pounce on the ball again to snap truly.
pic.twitter.com/Pe2Fcy3HuE Yep, yes, more please.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) February 15, 2025
The Bulldogs entered the match without the likes of Marcus Bontempelli (managed), Tom Liberatore (managed), defender Bailey Dale, All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar (calf), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal reasons), Liam Jones (hamstring) and Jason Johannisen (hamstring).
Rory Lobb, Matt Kennedy, Sam Darcy, Rhylee West and Ed Richards were among the throng of Bulldogs players rested after half-time.
Essendon were without Darcy Parish (back), Ben McKay (ankle), Mordan Ridley (hamstring), Sam Durham (soreness) and Matt Guelfi (hamstring).
Bulldogs forward Darcy made a big early impact, kicking 1.2 and taking two powerful marks in the first quarter.
Essendon big man Sam Draper also showed off his skills, scooping up the ball and snapping truly for the Bombers' only goal of the first quarter.
Heavy rain greeted players for the start of the second term, ensuring for slippery conditions until the downpour stopped.
Essendon's Mason Redman was cleaned up in a heavy collision with Aaron Naughton early in the second quarter.
Although Naughton appeared to collect Redman high, the fact the contact came while the star Bulldogs forward was attempting to take a mark should be enough to save him from any match review concern.
Redman lay on the turf for a minute before being cleared by medical staff to continue, and he dished out a heavy hit of his own just minutes later when he collected Ed Richards with a big bump.
Archie Perkins kicked two second-quarter goals - including a clever soccer - as Essendon surged into the lead.
Nate Caddy kicked a booming 55m goal after the half-time siren to give Essendon a 12-point lead at the long break, and it was the Edwards show after that as the Bombers eased to victory.
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