The crowd

There were 78,294 fans in attendance on Saturday night and while there may be bigger crowds at some point this season, the atmosphere and pure noise levels will be hard to beat.

The new pre-game ritual featuring Kevin Sheedy’s iconic jacket wave and a powerful big-screen video had the crowd up and about before the players ran out.

When Dyson Heppell led his team up the race the MCG erupted – even the new skipper had a little smile about it.

Every Essendon goal was greeted with a cheer befitting a final and there was even a mid-match standing ovation for Jobe Watson.

When the final siren rang, the crowd was again on their feet.

This was a victory for the whole Club and everyone that has ridden the rollercoaster of the last four years.

The forward line

Given Cale Hooker didn’t play in the JLT Community series, this was our first look at the Club’s new forward set-up. And what a potent mix it proved to be.

Orazio Fantasia was dynamic with four goals and the two key targets (Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker) kicked six between them.

But as Scott Lucas pointed out in his match review, it was the pressure of the Dons small forwards that also played a key part in the result.

Andrew McGrath

The number one pick lived up to all of the lofty expectations in his AFL debut.

McGrath finished the game with 22 possessions at 82 per cent efficiency, six marks, five rebounds from the defensive 50 and five tackles.

He lined up on Luke Breust for extended periods of the match and kept his more experienced opponent in check.

It was his composure and decision making that was as impressive as his numbers.

The Captain 

Dyson Heppell picked up 34 possessions had eight marks and laid seven tackles. But he also spent time in the forward half and his three goals were crucial in the final outcome.

With the game on the line entering the last quarter, Heppell kicked a goal from the boundary in the opening seconds.

Later in the quarter he calmly slotted a set-shot from outside 50 metres to cap an excellent game.

Zach Merrett

He was the run away winner of the Crichton Medal in 2016 and Zach Merrett got his 2017 campaign off to an equally impressive start.

He had 26 possessions by half time and finished the match with 37, seven marks and three tackles.

The depth

The spread of contributors was one of the most exciting aspects for the Bombers in their win over the Hawks.

Eight players recorded 21 or more disposals, six players had five or more tackles and there were five multiple goal kickers.