After more than 426 days on the sidelines, Georgia Nanscawen’s AFLW debut showed the Essendon faithful exactly what they’d been missing out on.

Returning for a first competitive outing since tearing her ACL in 2022’s VFLW Grand Final victory, the former Hockeyroo was a prime mover in the Bombers’ 19-point win over the Hawks on Saturday night.

Nanscawen finished with 18 contested possessions and seven clearances, driving the Bombers’ engine room with a strong in-and-under performance.

Speaking post-game, the 31-year-old cited opening the season with a win as the perfect reward for a long road back to the highest level.

“There was a big build-up to it, and as we all know it’s been a long time coming. You think of the ‘what if’s’ and what’s going to happen, (but) you get out there and it’s just football,” Nanscawen said.

“It was a lot of fun tonight, I’m just glad we got the win and had a great game. It’s a great stepping stone to move forward for the season.

“Tonight was a really special experience and to cap it off with a win is more than I could ask for.”

The Bombers’ inaugural AFLW signing back in 2022, Nanscawen’s knee injury forced her to watch from afar throughout the club’s first season in the competition.

Despite staying upbeat for her teammates, the absence provided healthy motivation for the midfielder to make the most of every moment in her comeback.

“Obviously it’s been a long and emotional journey. As excited as you are for the group, it was hard watching them run out (last year),” Nanscawen said.

“I just want to take my opportunity, certainly not take anything for granted and enjoy every moment I can be out there.”

The Bombers anticipated a tight contest with the Hawks, with the fixture already establishing itself as a marquee early in each club’s AFLW tenure.

For Nanscawen, it was the Bombers’ ability to return to basics and hold firm in the contest which allowed them to break the second half open.

“We knew it was going to be hot from the start. We’ve only played two games against each other but there’s already a huge rivalry, and we came out well (in the first quarter),” Nanscawen said.

“We’d spoken about slow starts and we wanted to be on the front foot early.

“We were able to turn it around and start winning the ball at the source again, which is what got us in a good position in the first quarter. Going in hard set us up well for the game.”

A significant occasion looms as the Bombers prepare for their first home game at Windy Hill this Sunday, taking on St Kilda.

The matchup marks the return of AFL-level competition to the ground for the first time in more than 30 years, and Nanscawen is excited to see the Bombers faithful on show.

“It was sad not to have a home ground that we could call our own last year, so to be at Windy Hill is going to be another big step in the history of the footy club,” Nanscawen said.

“Hopefully we can get as big a turnout as there was tonight, we’ll be looking to continue that winning form.

“It’s going to be a special moment.”

The Bombers and Saints’ Windy Hill clash kicks off at 3:05pm this Sunday, September 10.

With the season underway, now is the best time to throw your support behind the side.

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