We are looking back on all 12 wins from 2017, from our emotional breakthrough victory over Hawthorn to our crucial defeat of Fremantle to reach the finals for the first time since 2014. Enjoy all of the goals and celebrations from every win and revisit the best of the Bombers from this year.

Round one – Essendon 17.14 (116) d Hawthorn 12.19 (91)

This was a special win. Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Brent Stanton and Travis Colyer returned to the field after serving year-long bans and the entire club let out a giant breath as Essendon pulled away in the second half to score an emotional 25-point victory over Hawthorn.

Thousands of Bombers fans marched symbolically to the MCG prior to the game to celebrate the return of the banned players and signal a new era for the club, and they weren’t disappointed.

In front of the biggest crowd to ever watch the two sides in the home and away season (78,294), Dyson Heppell was the star with 34 disposals and three goals in an incredible captain’s performance.

Zach Merrett (37 disposals) and Orazio Fantasia (four goals) also set the tone for what became brilliant seasons for the young Bombers, while number one draft pick Andrew McGrath impressed on debut.