The Bombers couldn't get over the line on Anzac Day in an 11-point loss to the Magpies.

Despite the defeat, there were impressive individual and team stats to emerge. Here they are.

1. Darcy’s day out

Darcy Parish is proving 2021 was no fluke, after equalling Essendon's all-time disposals in a game, also recorded by the 24-year-old in last year’s Dreamtime in Perth game.

Parish had the ball on a string against the Pies, recording 44 disposals which earned him second place in the 2022 Anzac Medal vote count behind winner Jack Ginnivan.

His 30 disposals in the first half were the highest recorded in a half since 2000, eclipsing the 29 set by Matthew Priddis (round one, 2006) and Tom Mitchell (rounds one, 17 and 20 in 2018).

2. Draper’s offensive drive

Ruckman Sam Draper is showing signs he can be a follow-up presence around contests and in general play after recording career-high numbers in inside 50s.

The 205cm tall had five inside 50s, which included a brilliant fend-off and baulk of multiple Collingwood players. 

3. Kelly’s intercepts

In his first Anzac Day game, defender Jake Kelly produced another solid outing for the Dons with an equal team-high six intercept marks.

Kelly’s game ratified his position as the Bombers’ leading intercept marker, averaging 6.2 a game in 2022.

4. Dons’ clearance ascendancy

Despite not getting the result, the return of Zach Merrett and an instrumental game from Darcy Parish helped the Bombers comfortably win clearances.

Essendon’s midfield recorded a 43-31 ledger to show more promising signs after being outplayed by Fremantle in this area the week before.