Here at the stats that mattered from Essendon's dominant round one win over the Hawks.
1) Prespakis’ powerful display
Growing up as an Essendon supporter, Maddy Prespakis’s dream was to represent the red and black one day.
Not only did she get to do that, but she also managed to show why the recruitment to her girlhood club was one of the biggest player movements of the offseason.
The 21-year-old was dominant with a game-high 26 disposals, with her accumulative class being a key driver in the Dons’ win.
2) Toogood in the air
It’s safe to say Bonnie Toogood made her mark against the Hawks on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was an aerial threat, taking a game-high seven grabs as the Dons’ key forward.
Toogood’s marking prowess will be a massive factor as the Dons continue to build on their impressive offensive game.
3) Dons dominate in the arc
After beating the record for the highest score for an inaugural AFLW team’s debut match, a lot can be put down to the Bombers taking their chances up forward.
While only winning inside 50s by seven against the Hawks, the Dons reigned supreme aerially, recording 12 marks inside-50 to three.
The dominance allowed the Bombers to have 11 more score shots, highlighting a strong forward game.
4) Contested Queens
In a hot contest under the roof, Essendon rose to the occasion in the one-on-one stakes.
The Dons won the contested ball count 112-96 in great showing of winning the footy when it needed to be won.
The hard-nose edge will be needed again this weekend as the Bombers come up against an experienced Carlton side at ETU Stadium.
