A VFL match between Essendon and Geelong had a strong south-west flavour on Saturday.
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AFL-listed pair Jackson Merrett (Cobden) and Martin Gleeson (Koroit) lined up for the Bombers, while fellow Hampden exports Sam Dobson (Koroit), Sam McLachlan (North Warrnambool Eagles) and Sandy Robinson (Port Fairy) donned the blue and white hoops.
Merrett slotted three goals and was among the Bombers’ best and Gleeson, after being dropped for the first time in 28 games, also hit the scoreboard as Essendon produced a 16.9 (105) to 12.12 (84) win.
Geelong second-gamer Dobson kicked two goals and McLachlan one.
Gleeson was cut at Bombers’ selection on Thursday night after receiving a late reprieve for the injured Mark Bagulay the previous week.
Meanwhile, Brisbane’s Lewis Taylor was omitted for the first time in his career after playing 50 straight games since debut.