Injuries have made the start of Courtenay Dempsey's AFL career a frustrating one but last night most Essendon fans would agree it was worth the wait. Taken with selection 19 in the 2006 draft - a selection secured in the trade for Ted Richards - Dempsey has struggled to get his body right.
The frustration was that Essendon fans had seen glimpses of what Dempsey was capable of and they wanted more. Last night they got exactly that in front of more than 70,000 people, on football's biggest stage and against the Bombers' arch-enemy.
What Essendon fans would have been most excited about was the fact Dempsey saved his best for last. The final quarter was pulsating, fans hung on every passage of player but Dempsey was cool and calm in the heat of battle.
His first three-quarters netted him just 10 possessions but he kicked two important goals - both superb finishes from 40m out, one on the run, one from a set shot. In the final quarter he more than doubled that tally - collecting 11 possessions to take his match total to 21.
He was also a pivotal player in the final act of the game. With Carlton swarming towards goal, Paddy Ryder laid a critical tackle, the ball spilled free and Dempsey won it and under enormous pressure dished off a handball that saw Essendon clear the ball and repel the Blues final attack for the game.
Dempsey will have renewed confidence in his body and his ability to play the game at the highest level. Essendon fans have had their entree - now for the main course.
