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 stunning six-point comeback victory over Greater Western Sydney on Thursday.

1. Twin talls stand up in adversity

As soon as sole ruckman Tom Bellchambers suffered an injury in the third quarter, you knew his fellow talls would need to play blinders to get Essendon over the line. They did.

The masterfully-timed move to push versatile big man Cale Hooker forward in the last term to great effect as powerful goalkicker Shaun McKernan took on the load in the middle was remarkable.

Hooker was a man possessed in the forward line, crashing into the packs and clunking almost every mark he launched at to boot two vital goals including the match-winner in the final minute.

McKernan certainly held up his end of the bargain, too, topping off what had already been a terrific performance with a brave fight against Giant Shane Mumford and a fitting second goal, this time on the run (courtesy of Hooker) to draw the side even with just over two minutes on the clock.

He finished with 12 disposals (at 83.3 per cent), eight marks (five contested) and five inside 50s to go with his pair of goals in the narrow win in what was arguably his best ever AFL game.

2. The little things can still define games

Modern football is often about structure, well-drilled tactics and finesse, but Thursday’s game showed there is still room in our sport for pure instinct to thrive.

Sure, organisation and composure are still key aspects in succeeding, but it’s the blink-and-you-miss-them moments that lifted the Bombers over the line.

A clear example was speedy defender Adam Saad’s ability to read the play, cut the ball off and be off to the races to drive the ball forward before the Giants even knew their pockets had been picked.

It also came to the fore in the final minutes of the thrilling contest in the way inspirational captain Dyson Heppell hurled himself head-first into the packs, and when milestone man David Zaharakis threw caution to the wind going back with the flight with just seconds remaining to ensure no Giant would spoil his 200th game.

Dyson Heppell battled brilliantly in the contest. (Image: AFL Photos)

But my favourite moment of sheer football purity occurred when McKernan brought the side level with his second major.

He gathered the beautiful, sweeping handball from Hooker and sized up the goals. But before kicking it – much like club legend James Hird used to do – he flipped the ball lace up, then kicked truly.

3. The kids should get their due credit

While McKernan and Hooker certainly deserve all of the praise they have received, the efforts of the team’s crop of young Dons should not go unrecognised, particularly in the dying stages of the game.

Mason Redman’s crunching tackles, Darcy Parish’s quick assessment and crucial goal, Andrew McGrath’s poise and Dylan Clarke’s toughness.

Kyle Langford’s attack at the ball, Jayden Laverde and Josh Begley’s work rate to clear the room for Hooker, and Aaron Francis (just four full days after his last game) filling the void left by both Hooker and late out Patrick Ambrose.

They all played their part and there is a lot to look forward to.

4. The Bombers can beat the best

External noise had repeatedly suggested Essendon needed a ‘big scalp’. Whether that is true or not, one thing is certain; the Dons beat a seriously good team on Thursday.

Seeing the Giants stream forward at their best – no matter how hard it is to watch against your side – is a beautiful sight. They’re fast, clean and damaging when on song, which we saw a handful of times at Marvel Stadium, but the Bombers restricted them brilliantly.

Essendon forced GWS – a leading premiership contender – to move the ball slowly, strangling its style before hitting back impressively on the rebound with speed through the corridor.

It was a win built off pressure and intensity in the contest, with the Dons keen to bounce back from disappointing efforts against West Coast last week and the Giants in round one.

The Bombers’ 79 tackles and constant pressure in their forward half ensured GWS couldn’t work their way clear quickly or easily enough to keep the Bombers from gaining repeat entries.

With 60 inside 50s to the Giant’s 53 despite gathering 46 fewer disposals, Essendon’s aggression and direct approach was crucial.

5. Zacka deserved his reward

It was wonderful to see the well-earned celebrations for Essendon’s most experienced current player David Zaharakis after his 200th AFL game.

He put together another strong performance in the big milestone game, sweeping well across half-back and pushing up the ground with purpose.

Booting the second goal of the game certainly got the club’s passionate fans on their feet in support of the veteran in the first quarter in a special moment of reflection on his impact at the club.

He wrapped up the game with 19 disposals, six marks, four rebound 50s and a goal, proving once again that he still has plenty to offer for the side.

The reaction and support from players after the final siren said a lot about the high regard he is held in at the club and the thrilling comeback win was a perfect way to honour the gun leader.

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That one’s for you, @zacka11 ❤️ #MightyBombers

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