Round 22, 2013 - August 24.
Essendon vs. Carlton
It was a close encounter between two rivals in the second last game of the 2013 season.
After trailing by 31-points midway through the third quarter, the boys - led on the field by Captain Jobe Watson, did not lay down.
They kicked the final three goals of the third term and then outscored the Blues four goals to two before midfielder Jake Melksham slotted his third and match-winning goal from 45 metres out.
Dyson Heppell produced a stellar performance.
Michael Hurley and Jake Carlisle swapped ends to have a big say on the result.
And Dustin Fletcher was his reliable self.
Nick Kommer also created havoc for opposition defenders in the forward line, with his trademark aggressiveness and pressure important in the second half of the game.
This would also be the last time that fans would see Nick Kommer run out with the senior team.
Recruited in 2012, Kommer enjoyed a successful debut year playing 19 games for the Bombers and making an impression on coaches and fans alike.
In 2014, however, Kommer hit his first hurdle.
Battling patella tendinitis, the recruit from East Perth had his first surgery to attempt to correct the persistent problem.
Kommer displayed positive signs over the off-season, returning to running and light training, before he was once again struck down by another injury.
The 2015 season was perhaps the closest that Kommer got to returning, playing two games for Essendon VFL in the middle of the season.
It was clear that he still had the traits he demonstrated in his debut year.
However, another injury would see him sidelined once more and dampen his hopes of a return to the senior side.
A testament to his importance to the Club, the small forward was awarded a contract extension in 2014, giving him the chance to get fit and return to the team.
Fast forward to 2016 and Kommer is finally ready to go.
For the first time in 952 days, the fans will be able to see Kommer resume harassing the opposition as he goes about his business against the Demons.
“It’s been outstanding really,” Coach John Worsfold said.
“His comeback has been tough.
“When I arrived at the Club, there were doubts as to whether he could comeback and play footy again.
“His injuries had been pretty severe and were really hampering him
“We set down a really strong program for him to give him the best chance and that’s all credit to Nick and the medical and rehab staff to get him back to where he is.
“He’s running really well, his intensity, endurance and pace at a VFL level last week were outstanding.
“He has earned his spot back in the line-up.”
It has been a long road for Kommer, and often a lonely one.
However, with the support of the staff at the Club, his teammates and all the fans who never gave up on him - he will be able to finally put that all behind him and write the next chapter in a story that is finally getting started again.
