Essendon could have multiple ruck options to choose from in the coming weeks, with both Andrew Phillips and rookie big man Nick Bryan competing strongly in the club’s VFL practice match win over Frankston on Friday night.
The Bombers were forced to use a combination of Peter Wright and Nik Cox in the ruck against Sydney on Thursday night as a result of Sam Draper's syndesmosis injury, with Cox forced to go up against Tom Hickey in the dying stages of the three-point loss.
Phillips remains the closest to earning senior selection in the coming weeks, with the 29-year-old playing five AFL games for Essendon in 2020.
The clash against Frankston, which was held at the Bombers’ training base at Tullamarine, also marked the return of forgotten defender Patrick Ambrose, who played in the first two quarters of the match.
The underrated backman didn't play at all last season due to a Lisfranc injury, but still forms a key part of Essendon's defence when fully fit.
After being named as the medical sub against the Swans, David Zaharakis was also in action as he looks to press his claim for a return to the senior side.
Essendon held a 19-point lead at quarter time, before coasting to a 24-point victory under lights at The Hanger.
The Bombers’ VFL season begins with an away trip to face Brisbane next Saturday, while Frankston will host Coburg next Friday night.
FULL SCORE
Essendon VFL - 14.10 (94)
Frankston - 10.10 (70)