Midfielder David Myers shines in comeback game as Essendon scores thumping VFL win over Collingwood

DAVID Myers made a memorable return to Essendon’s ranks, leading the Bombers to an emphatic VFL win over Collingwood at Windy Hill.

David Myers dumps Collingwood’s Josh Thomas to the ground on Saturday Picture: Michael Klein.

DAVID Myers made a memorable return to Essendon’s ranks on Sunday, leading the Bombers to an emphatic VFL win over Collingwood at Windy Hill.

Playing his first game in red and black in 618 days, Myers gathered 35 disposals, laid seven tackles and kicked one goal.

The Bombers were never threatened after quarter-time by the Magpies, booting 15 goals to four to record an 18.10 (118) to 5.7 (37) victory.

“Coming off last week against Sandringham, we were a little bit disappointed at probably only playing a half of footy the way we wanted to,” Essendon VFL coach Paul Corrigan said.

“I thought yesterday the effort for the four quarters was really consistent and we were able to play the way we wanted to.

“Our pressure around the ball and on the contest was fantastic, it’s what really set us up for the day.”

Senior coach John Worsfold will have several selection headaches this week, with Ben Howlett, Kobe Mutch, Tom Bellchambers, James Stewart and Heath Hocking also prominent.

Essendon's Tom Bellchambers spoils from behind during Essendon’s VFL win. Picture: Michael Klein.

Myers, one of the Essendon players suspended due to the supplements saga in 2016, had his comeback delayed by a finger injury.

The 27-year-old left footer showed no signs of his lengthy lay-off, pressing his case for senior selection in the 81-point romp.

“I thought Myers, coming back for his first game in 18 months, applied himself really well and ran out the game really strongly,” Corrigan said.

“He was really good inside the contest and also outside.

“(Bellchambers) gave first use to our mids and even was able to go forward and kick three goals.

“Benny Howlett, who played predominantly up forward for us ... his ability to win the contest as well was valuable.”

Essendon’s Shaun McKernan completes an acrobatic mark over Adam Oxley on Saturday. Pic: Michael Klein.

After opening an 11-point lead at quarter-time, Essendon blew the match apart with five consecutive goals in the second quarter.

Shaun McKernan ignited the Bombers with two majors in as many minutes early in the term, before goals from Dylan Clarke, James Peters and Stewart catapulted Essendon 36 points clear.

“We always knew it was going to be a tough contest,” Corrigan said.

“You never know when you might get that momentum swing. It could happen in the second half, it could happen in the last quarter.

“We just said to the boys, make sure we keep applying that pressure to Collingwood.

“If we had that sustained effort, hopefully the game would open up for us and we took our chances in that second quarter.”

Playing his second game as the Bombers’ 23rd man, former Calder Cannon Peters impressed with three goals.

“He has a lot of speed and that pressure as a small forward,” Corrigan said.

“His ability to kick goals as well is really valuable for us.

“Hopefully he keeps improving. It’s pretty handy to play him as a 23rd and if he keeps showing that form he will probably work his way inside the 22 at some stage.”

Essendon next meets Werribee at Arden Street on Saturday from 2pm.