Dyson Heppell has heaped praise on the cool heads of Essendon’s young core for their late-game heroics in Saturday night’s victory over Richmond.  

The Dons’ thrilling Dreamtime at the ‘G win came after a last-minute goal from young gun Sam Durham helped the Bombers secure a pulsating one-point result. 

After beating the Tigers for the first time since 2014, Heppell pointed to the group’s ability to keep a steady hand and trust in their system as a focal point for their late charge home. 

“It was actually quite composed out there on the ground. Guys were connecting really well (and our) defensive system looked pretty sound,” Heppell said.   

“(There’s) expectations with a young group that you may be a bit ‘panicky’, but guys have played enough footy now and have enough belief in what we’re trying to do here, it really stacked up tonight.” 

Much had been made of the Bombers’ depleted stocks in the department of key defenders, and Heppell was stirred by the cohesion of a back six led by Jordan Ridley, as well as the solid showing of forward-turned-defender Kaine Baldwin.  

“(The) boys were awesome back there in our ability to keep really safe and sound behind the ball and trust the boys in their one-on-ones, try and support where you can,” Heppell said. 

“It’s a tight little unit back there, the ability for guys to step up if one goes down has been outstanding.” 

Going into the night having lost their previous thirteen matches against the Tigers, the significance of the win wasn’t lost on Heppell, who hopes it can serve as a launching pad for the developing Dons on their journey in 2023. 

“Huge. I think it’s a massive one to do it on Dreamtime, haven’t beaten the Tigs (Tigers) in nine years and to sneak one by a point, it’s an elite win for the club,” Heppell said. 

“Momentum’s everything these days when you can get a bit of a roll on, it just builds belief. We crack on again.”