1. Zach Merrett:

The young star was ferocious right from the start of Sunday's game. His relentless attack on not only the ball but also the opposition player was a key feature throughout the game. Several times Merrett forced turnovers through both his physical and perceived pressure. Merrett finished with a team high seven tackles for the game, taking his total to 12 from the opening two rounds of the season. 

Just one of the seven big tackles laid by Zach Merrett during the game.

2. David Zaharakis:

It's not uncommon for Zacka to feature as one of the top rating players of a game. Throughout his career the midfielder has been a danger player for the opposition in the dying stages, frequently able to break free and change the game in seconds. On Sunday, however, it was a different type of pressure from Zacka who chased down Hawk Bradley Hill at a crucial time in the game. 

Zacka's chase late in the third.  

3. Travis Colyer:

Continuing his impressive form from 2014, Colyer once again displayed how his speed and poise can be a great asset for the team. For the second time on the day, Colyer made the break and sprinted from deep in defence to become the spare man up forward. His run would be rewarded  when Chappy found him open late in the fourth quarter resulting in the goal that would narrow the Hawks' lead to four points. 

Started from the bottom.

Now he here.

4. Brent Stanton/Patty Ambrose:

It was a combination of the veteran and a rookie that ultimately saved the Essendon win. Individually both these men had strong performances right throughout the game. Ambrose's attack on the ball was nothing short of outstanding, with the forward able to force several turnovers through his brute pressure. He also laid six tackles none more important than his final one on Bradley Hill late in the game. Ambrose currently is second overall in the AFL for tackles with 17 for the season, in what is a clear indication of what he adds to the team. Stanton also played a crucial role throughout the game and was able to break free on several occasions to provide a loose option both forward and back. However, he changed the game with just over 30 seconds remaining when smothered the ball and stopped the Hawks from scoring. 

First the smother from Stanton then the piledriver tackle from Ambrose. 

5. Cale Hooker:

There is no doubt that Cale Hooker played a game to remember having a huge impact on the overall result of the game. Although his final goal was the ultimate game changer, his presence in the backline must also be noted. Several times during the game Hooker would go back and take big contested marks, diminishing any chances that the Hawks' forwards had of getting the ball. Not only did Hooker take the mark, he was also able to clear the ball to great efficiency with one clearance resulting directly in the Colyer running goal. 

Hooker's first game saving mark.

The mark and then immediate clearance.

Hooker also showed great composure under pressure able to execute one of the teams' set plays and sneak forward to kick the winning goal. It was a game of pure class from the All-Australian defender who continues to receive praise for his best on ground performance.

This doesn't need a caption. 

Notable Mentions:

Dyson Heppell, Michael Hurley, Mark Baguley and Tom Bellchambers.