In 2019 we will be looking back on five key lessons to take away from every Bombers match, thanks to RMIT.

This time we look into Essendon's 19-point defeat of Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Friday.

1. Dashing defensive duo are the most exciting pair in the league

When Adam Saad and Conor McKenna get the ball, you simply can’t look away. You never know what they might do next, and possibly neither do they on the odd occasion, but you know it will be mightily exciting.

The speedsters were at their electrifying best against the Hawks, claiming 45 disposals, 22 intercept possessions, 14 rebound 50s and 10 running bounces between them as they shredded their way up the field.

Saad and McKenna seem to feed of each other’s energy, lifting their intensity together and making their opponents very nervous. They were extremely damaging going forward, countering every move from the Hawks and turning defence into attack with scintillating speed, with Saad capitalising on a chance to boot his first ever goal for the Bombers.

But as fun as it is to watch them streaming forward, the reality is that Saad and McKenna are defenders and their work closing down their opponents was also sensational.

2. Key trio are playing as well as ever

At 29 years old and with two All-Australian selections under his belt, it is hard to believe that Michael Hurley could arguably be in career-best form, but it’s true.

His 26 disposals, 12 marks and nine rebound 50s against Hawthorn added to what has been an outstanding season, seeing him average 22 disposals and career-high averages for rebound 50s (seven) and marks (nine).

Likewise, one-time All Australian and 2015 Crichton Medal winner Cale Hooker is also in a purple patch of form, continuing on with another terrific game against the Hawks with 22 disposals, 12 marks, five rebound 50s and five one percenters.

The 30-year-old is currently pulling in career-high averages for disposals (20), marks (nine), one percenters (seven) and rebound 50s (five).

Patrick Ambrose, too, is in career-best form, repeatedly playing a huge role in locking down the opposition’s most dangerous key forward to allow Hurley and Hooker the freedom to intercept every attack.

Patrick Ambrose has been one of the league's best shut-down defenders in 2019. (Image: AFL Photos)

Add in Saad, McKenna and young gun Mason Redman sweeping across half-back and you get one hell of a defensive unit that has put together a massive season.

3. Kyle Langford is back to his best

Young onballer Kyle Langford broke through for a strong run of form last year, playing the final 14 games of the season and impressing with his toughness. But his start to the 2019 season didn’t go to plan.

After taking the field in the opening two rounds of the year, Langford missed out at the selection table for a month. But rather than letting the disappointment affect him, the 22-year-old knuckled down to regain his place in the team and his last month has been outstanding.

Langford racked up 21 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six clearances, two goals and a clever goal assist against the Hawks, getting his just reward for a mountain of work.

If he can maintain his momentum and continue to have an impact both on the ball and on the scoreboard, then it is hard to see him being forced from the side.

Kyle Langford has been in fine form in the senior side. (Image: AFL Photos)

4. Young stocks highlight strong depth

When you look through the list of the 22 Bombers who took the field on Friday, you notice it is littered with talented young guns yet to reach 25:

Josh Begley, 20 years old
Dylan Clarke, 20
Mason Redman, 21
Matt Guelfi, 21
Darcy Parish, 21
Kyle Langford, 22
Andrew McGrath, 21
Orazio Fantasia, 23
Zach Merrett, 23
Jayden Laverde, 23
Conor McKenna, 23
Adam Saad, 24

That’s just the ones who were named to take on the Hawks. So many more exciting young Dons lined up the next day in the VFL, alongside a spattering of experienced Bombers who currently can’t break back into the senior side.

The VFL Dons went on to record a stirring 10-point victory over Box Hill, maintaining second position on the ladder and showing how much depth there is in the squad at The Hangar.

If the exciting crop can continue on their upward trajectory then the future looks very bright.

5. You can take the boy out of Ireland…

McKenna was brilliant against Hawthorn, cutting the Hawks to pieces out of half-back with his elite speed and classy touch.

But there was one moment that raised the eyebrows of all footy fans in the first term as the County Tyrone product worked into the game.

In an entirely unplanned and automatic nod back to his Gaelic football roots, McKenna pulled out an unexpected ‘solo’ as he bolted out of defence, kicking the ball to himself in a moment of sheer instinct.

He later admitted he may need to put the skill away in the future, but there is no doubt that it was a refreshingly enjoyable moment.

You certainly can’t take Ireland out of the boy.