Michael Hibberd impressed in his first game back for Essendon after a club-imposed suspension last year.
Hibberd was charged for assault last July after an altercation in Mornington, but escaped conviction and received a $2500 fine. Essendon suspended him for the rest of the season.
He returned in Saturday night's two-point win over North Melbourne and gathered 15 touches. The 22-year-old also courageously dropped in front of Kangaroos forward Drew Petrie to spoil or intercept marks throughout the night, taking 10 grabs.
Teammate David Zaharakis said Hibberd was an important member of Essendon's backline structure, but that he didn't owe his teammates a good performance after last season's indiscretion.
""Not really to the playing group, because last year he was great and he acknowledged what he did was wrong and worked his backside off to try and come back to the side,"" Zaharakis said on Monday.
""Over pre-season he's really hit the ground running. He's pivotal to us because he can defend well but can also attack like Courtenay Dempsey from the backline.
""He didn't really have anything to prove to the playing group. We back him 100 per cent.""
Meanwhile, Zaharakis said although Saturday night's thrilling win was probably a joy to watch for fans, the club was intent to play a more defensive brand of football.
The Bombers conceded five goals in the last quarter, giving away a 25-point advantage early in the last term.
""It was probably a bit disappointing that we let them get back in the game,"" Zaharakis said.
""We'll analyse the last 10 minutes but also the whole game. We let them score over 100 points, which isn't the greatest thing as a defensive side.
""For the fans it was a great spectacle as it was just going back and forth, but as a side we probably don't want the game to be played that way.""
Zaharakis said Heath Hocking (concussion), Cale Hooker (ankle) and Kyle Hardingham (shoulder) should all be fit to face Port Adelaide on Saturday.
